Alaafin Chooses Gani Adams As Next Aare Ona Kakanfo
The national coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress, Otunba Gani Adams, has been declared the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland by the Alaafin of Oyo.
Upon the conferment of the title at a later date, Adams would be the 15th man to hold that title and would be taking over form the late Chief MKO Abiola.
This was confirmed by the Alaafin, saying a letter of appointment has been sent to the OPC leader.
“Yes, I have confirmed Otunba Gani Adams as the next Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland. He emerged out of the five aspirants that I considered for the position but I will hold a press conference where he will be formally announced. It is after this announcement that the traditional rites for his installation will start,” he told The Punch.
The appointment has also been confirmed by an aide of the recipient, Segun Akanni. He said his principal is honoured to be chosen for such an exalted title.
The appointment has, however, drawn mixed reactions with his erstwhile antagonist, Frederick Fasheun, congratulating while warning him to tread carefully.
Others, such as Senator Femi Okurounmu, questioned the decision, pointing out those who take the title do not end well, plus the recipient is too young for such a role.
Okurounmu said, “My honest opinion is that as a young man, that title is not befitting for him. I think that title is more befitting for an older person; an older person who has accomplished more for Yorubaland.
“As much as I like the young man and his activities for Yorubaland, I think he is a bit too ambitious and too much in a hurry and frankly, I would have wished the title would have been given to someone with a history of achievement and accomplishment for Yorubaland.
“That title doesn’t have a very good history. In Yorubaland, people with that title have not always ended very well and I think that is perhaps why people are always running from it.
“There is a saying that where angels fear to tread, fools rush in. So, it is a title many fail to take and I don’t know why he was keen to have it but I wish him the best of luck. I know he wanted it and I wish him the best.”
In Yoruba history, especially that of the Oyo Empire, the Aare Ona Kakanfo is the generalissimo of the Kingdom’s army. Hei s a brave man who is loyal to the Alaafin and his cause.
In modern-day army hierarchy, the Aare is the equivalent of a Field Marshal. He leads the Empire’s army to war and in the instance of a loss, does not return to the empire; he either wins and goes home or dies in battle.
But now, when wars are no longer there to be fought, the title has become ceremonial.
There are whispers of evil lurking in the collection of the title. Conspiracy theorists posit that the of title bears a curse for its carrier while pointing to the fact the last two choices – MKO Abiola and Samuel Ladoke Akintola – died painful deaths.
