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Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu (Rtd.), Chairman of the Planning Committee for the installation of 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, on Thursday in Ibadan said the traditional title is not a honorary or ceremonial chieftaincy one.
Bishop Ladigbolu stated this during a press briefing in Ibadan, organised by the Oyo state government as part of activities lined up for the Saturday’s installation of Otunba Gani Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.
Present at the press briefing were representatives of Oyo, Osun and Ondo state governments
The retired Methodist Bishop declared that the Yoruba traditional title is a functional one created by Alaafin Ajagbo about 558 years ago.
Speaking on the significance of the title in this modern age, Ladigbolu said Aare Ona Kakanfo is to protect the culture and values of the yoruba race from in incursion of foreign cultures.
He said: “The significance of the title in this modern time is to protect the Yoruba territory from the incursion of foreign cultures and values. I know that some of you might have been asking why do we need to have an Aare Ona Kakanfo now?
” Surely, there are incursions into our territory by foreign ideas, culture and values. With all these, if we don’t guard our territory well in this age of globalization, we will soon witness the total collapse of our cultural and traditional system.
“That is the reason why we need a visionary Aare Ona Kakanfo to be in the vanguard of projection and protection of our cultural heritage and tradition.”
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Bishop Ladigbolu also revealed that contrary to the prevailing myths, there is noting that stopping an Aare Ona Kakanfo from residing in Oyo town with the Alaafin if the holder of the office wishes to do so.
He said “Nothing stops Aare Ona Kakanfo from residing in Oyo.
“So anyone telling you that Kakanfo don’t see the Alaafin is telling you a myth. There is nothing that stops the Kakanfo seeing the Alaafin. He will want to see the Alaafin to plan. If he wishes to live in Oyo, there is noting that stops him. And you know the new Aare resides in Lagos.
“There were many people who crave the position, there are many people who want the position from all parts of Yorubaland.
“The Aare Ona Kakanfo will work in connection with all Yoruba leaders, traditional rulers in promoting the culture of our people and ensuring territorial integrity of our land, Nigeria.
“That is why today we have today the preparation for the instalation of the new Aare Ona Kakanfo.
“He is already in seclusion, he is in the process of retreat and instalation. He has been in Oyo since yesterday.
Ladigbolu while speaking further also declared that contrary to belief of some people, to accept the Aare Ona Kakanfo title was not a death certificate.
He said “To accept the Aare Ona Kakanfo is not a death warrant. Infact Ojo Aburumaku died in his house. He did not died in the war front. Aare Latosa also did not died at the war front. They died in their homes.
Ladigbolu while going down the memory lane said the office of the Aare Ona Kakanfo (Generalissimo of Yorubaland) was created by Alaafin Ajagbo in 16 century in order to serve as the commander of the Yoruba army in defending its territory.
He said the office was created in the 16th century by Ajagbo who appointed one of his friends, Kokorogangan to be the first Generalissimo of Yorubaland and Commander of its army.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy matters in Oyo State, Mr. Bimbo Kolade said the installation was an another way to promote Yoruba culture.
He said “The installation of Aare Ona Kakanfo is an opportunity to celebrate Yoruba race.
“That is why the state government said it is an opportunity to celebrate culture, the one that cuts across the Yoruba
