The Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, marked the 7th anniversary of his installation as the 15th Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land on Monday, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the occasion. He described the celebration as more spiritual than ceremonial, noting that it was a reflection of the legacy of the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, whose revered stool continues to be the pride of the Yoruba people.
The anniversary celebration took place at Iba Adams’ residence in Omole, Ikeja, Lagos, where he also installed six new chiefs into the Aare-In-Council.
The new chiefs’ installation, he noted, was a significant milestone in the long history of the Aareonakakanfo stool, which has been a prestigious position in Yoruba land since its establishment in 1530.
Iba Adams explained that the six chiefs were selected based on their character, commitment to the Yoruba cause, and love for their land. He emphasized that the celebration of his installation was essential to maintaining the dignity and relevance of the Aareonakakanfo stool.
“My installation anniversary is more spiritual than ceremonial,” Iba Adams stated. “It is the tradition of the stool. Celebrating it annually is the best way to sustain the legacy of the Aareonakakanfo.”
He further outlined the role of the Aare-In-Council as traditional advisers, whose responsibilities include promoting Yoruba culture, ensuring peace and unity, and supporting his leadership in advancing the cause of the Yoruba people.
Royal father of the day, Oba Akeem Agbaosi, the Alaguda of Aguda Kingdom, praised Iba Adams for positively changing the narrative of the Yoruba race. He urged the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and the newly installed chiefs to support Iba Adams in his mission to advance the interests of the Yoruba people.
The traditional rites for the installation were performed, with Chief Yinka Oguntimehin, the Asoju Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, reading the Code of Conduct for the new chiefs.
The six newly installed chiefs include: Prince Adedipe Dauda Ewenla, the Akinjagunla Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land; Chief Badaru Akeem Adebajo, the Osi Balogun Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land; Alhaji Monsuru Lawal Amubieya, the Bada Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land; and Chief (Mrs) Adegbaike Ishola, the Iya Oodua General of OPC, who is also the Yeye Gunwa Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land.
