Prominent indigenes of Ondo State, led by Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the state governor, leader of Yoruba socio- political group, Pa. Reuben Fasoranti, national chairman of Social Democratic Party (SDP), Chief Oluyemi Falae are billed to honour the newly installed Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Aare Gani Adams to a grand reception in Akure, the state capital on Saturday April 21, 2018.
Other dignitaries expected at the 3-Day event included, the deputy governor of the state, Barrister Agboola Ajayi, legal luminary, Chief Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN), immediate past governor of the state, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko Senator Iyiola Omisore, and Oba Akadiri Momoh (CON), the state chairman of Council of Obas,
In a Press release signed by the chairman and secretary of Aare Grand Reception Planning Committee, Rt. Hon. Bakkita Bello (Ph.D) and Yemi Akintomide, respectively, in Akure on Tuesday, the reception and thanksgiving ceremony was put together by some friends, well wishers and close associates of the newly installed Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Aare (Dr.) Gani Adams to give him a befitting grand reception into Ondo State for the first time after His Royal Majesty, Alayeluwa, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, Alaafin of Oyo proudly installed a worthy and illustrious son of Ondo State, the Southwest Zone and indeed Nigeria, as the 15th Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland.
Bello, a former Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly said; “You will recall that the highly revered monarch bestowed this rare honour on a globally celebrated scion of the Yoruba race at an elaborate ceremony hosted in the ancient Oyo town, on January 13, 2018 witnessed by a large colourful crowd. Among the guests at Oyo, were foremost traditional rulers from across Yorubaland, with the great monarch himself, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, in the lead. Top Federal Government functionaries and notable leaders from other States in the Southwest and beyond.”
He stated further that the three-day Reception cum Thanksgiving was jointly organized by the Government, Afenifere, Traditional Rulers, family, friends and associates, as a golden opportunity for indigenes of the State, to appreciate as well as celebrate the honour done to Aare Gani Adams, as the 15th Generallisimo of the entire Yorubaland.
“This honour becomes more historically significant and unique because it is the first time in the history of Yorubaland, that a son from outside the old Oyo Empire would be installed as the Aare Onakakanfo.
“We all know, recognize and respect Aare Gani Adams as a courageous advocate of cultural renaissance; a frontline defender of the interest of the Yoruba and Nigerian peoples at home and in the Diaspora; and a brave indefatigable son of Arigidi – Akoko, Ondo State.
“Hence our Committee considers it not only appropriate but indeed imperative to organize a Grand Reception cum Thanksgiving. The Reception is to enable us, on the one hand, appreciate, celebrate and thank Aare Gani Adams for being such an illustrious scion and worthy Ambassador of our State and race. On the other hand, the Thanksgiving gives Aare Gani Adams, as well as all of us his well wishers, a great opportunity to go before God Almighty.’
According to the statement “the epoch making events are slated as follows:
Day 1
Friday, April 20, 2018: Jumat Service at Akure Central Mosque, Oba Adesida Road, Akure by
1 P.M.
Day 2
Saturday, April 21, 2018. Reception Programme at The Dome International Event Centre, Igbatoro Road, Akure by 11 A.M.
Day 3
Sunday, April 22, 2018. Special Thanksgiving Service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Arigidi -Oja, Arigidi Akoko.
