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National Coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, Otunba Gani Adams says he is not too young to be bestowed the title of Are Ona Kakanfo.
Adams said this, yesterday at a media parley in Lagos.
This was as the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere and the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, said the choice of Adams as Are Ona Kakanfo was the right choice.
The Are Ona Kakanfo designate, however, promised not to compromise his principle despite his acceptance of the title bestowed on him by the Alafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.
Correcting the negative impression that he was too young for the title, he said: “Most of the people who have been Are Ona Kakanfo were not up to 50. Chief MKO Abiola was not up to 50 years when he became Are Ona Kakanfo in 1988, Chief Samuel Akintola was not up to 54 in 1964 when he was given the title.. Apart from the two I mentioned, most of the Are Ona Kakanfo, were younger because, according to the history of the Yoruba race, they always look for a courageous young blood that can face external aggressors.
“It is not about the age, it is about your charisma, determination, loyalty to the Alafin of Oyo, focus and your interest in the course of Yoruba race. Those are the factors that are usually considered. When I told Kabiyesi I was ready, he called me the second day that I should send him my bio data which I did. He promised to consult with traditional rulers and political stakeholders in Yoruba land on the title. That was in June this year.
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The Are Ona Kakanfo is a position of service to Yoruba land, the can only attain the position as a freedom fighter, philanthropist. Abiola attained it in 1988 as a philanthropist, Ladoke Akintola attained it because he Premiere of the Western Region. The Kabiyesi considered me because I promote Yoruba culture. When people the Kabiyesi consulted, called me to inform me, I told them I was not desperate but that I am ready for service for the Yoruba race. I have been involved in service to Yoruba race since March 15, 1999 when I became the National Coordinator of the OPC.”
The OPC leader also disclosed that the title will moderate his radicalism.
He said: “the Are Ona Kakanfo will moderate my radicalism. I am ready to mend fences and resolve any situation or any issue I have with any Yoruba person and in Nigeria, but I will not compromise my principle. As Are Ona Kakanfo I tend to promote the unity and culture of Yoruba.”
He also promised to embark on a mend fencing mission with all and sundry.
“Within a short perio, I will meet Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and I will meet with Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. When you are fighting a cause, you will disagree to agree, I can tell you that this position will moderate my radicalism and it will not cow the course I believe in, I will fight for justice of the Yoruba and Nigerian people. I can assure you that I will not betray the course of Yoruba people.”
