The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, and the new Aare Ona Kakanfo, Gani Adam, have arrived at the Durban Stadium, the venue of installation of Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland in Oyo.
According to Punch, the duo arrived the venue of the ceremony seated in the chariot which was followed by convoy of vehicles amidst chanting of Iku Baba Yeye from the crowd who followed them.
Adams’s wife, Kemi and her daughter were among prominent personalities seated at the front row which include the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran and White Cap Chiefs from Lagos State.
In attendance at the ceremony are traditional rulers and other dignitaries, which include the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji; the Akinrun of Ikirun, Oba Rauf Olayiwola and Timi of Ede, Oba Adesola Lawal.
Traditional rulers from Igboland and the Niger Delta, including their chief are also in attendance.
Adams was installed 19 years after the demise of the 14th Aare Ona Kakanfo, the businessman and politician Chief MKO Abiola.
The traditional rites were performed on Adams by the Alaafin before he was installed as the Aare Ona Kakanfo
Adeyemi said that disunity among Yoruba sons and daughters must be discouraged, saying it has affected the race a lot.
The monarch, who tasked Adams to ensure unity among the Yoruba, has said he picked him because Adams loves the Yoruba race, its culture and tradition.
“He has contributed immensely to upholding them. He has shown enough charisma to deserve the honour. He may be young but he is very bold and courageous.
“Gani Adams is a cultural enthusiast who projects and defends our race wherever he goes. These are traits synonymous with an Aare Ona Kakanfo,’’ the monarch said.
Adeyemi dismissed insinuations that occupiers of the position die young, adding that they have invoked the spirit of the ancestors to grant him long life and the race unity.
According to him, “I have installed two Aare Ona Kakanfos as the Alaafin and I don’t want to install another before I join my ancestors."
Adams stated that he was not pleased with the level of unity in Yoruba land, pledging that he would do more as a bridge-builder.
Adams called on the south-west governors to unite for the advancement of Yoruba irrespective of their political affiliations.
“It is 558 years ago that the first Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Kokorogengen of Iwoye was installed. I know that so much is expected of me.
“My appointment is a challenge, considering the power and glamour brought to the position by the 13th and I4th occupiers, Late Chief S. L. Akintola and Late Chief MKO Abiola respectively.
“I consider myself lucky because there was no war ravaging the Yoruba nation now, except the gradual extinction of Yoruba culture and values which must be urgently protected and preserved,’’ he said.
He called on the federal government to ensure good road and rail network as well as electricity to boost the tourism potentials of the country like it operated in some countries.
The Aare Ona Kakanfo thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker Yakubu Dogara for their support.
“I want to assure you all that I will not disappoint you on my new role. I will establish Aare Ona Kakanfo Foundation and website for the projection of Yoruba culture and values.
“I will give scholarships to Yoruba children to aid their education because education is light. I promise to preserve and protect Yoruba culture and values,’’ he said.
He pledged to work with traditional rulers and leaders across Yoruba land to foster the desired unity.