If the information at the disposal of PMParrot is to be believed, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, may soon declare the National Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams, as the new Are Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.
Late MKO Abiola, who died in 1998, was the last holder of the prestigious Yoruba traditional title. Before the late businessman turned politician, Late Samuel Ladoke Akintola was the Are Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.
It is believed among Yoruba people that the traditional title is meant for powerful and extra ordinary individuals of Yoruba origin.
However, it became obvious at the weekend that Oba Adeyemi has made up his mind to bestow Otunba Adams with the title.
PMParrot overheard Alaafin referring to the OPC leader as the new Are Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland at a programme organised as part of activities marking the monarch’s 79th birthday.
The foremost Yoruba traditional ruler was particularly overheard pointing to Otunba Adams as the new Are when one of the prominent guests mounted the podium to exchange pleasantries with the monarch during the event which took place inside the historic Atiba Hall, Oja Akesan, Oyo.
The event was attended by Osolo of Isolo, Oba Kabiru Adelaja, Otunba Gani Adams , Senator Monsurat Sumonu, and Chief Abiola Ogundokun, and Hon Yinus Akintunde.
Others included prominent traditional rulers from the Oke – Ogun area of Oyo state and members of the Oyo Mesi, as well as the Oyo state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abiodun Odude.
Gani Adams, who sat very close to the Alaafin at the event, was accompanied by former Chairman of the Oyo state council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Wale Ojo-Lanre and popular Yoruba movie star, Yomi Fash Lanso.
Crowd at the event struggled to have a glimpse of the OPC leader, who dressed in a white lace agbada and a pair of white shoes.
In his speech at the occasion, Oba Adeyemi said he was happy that Oyo people and Yoruba people at large are appreciating his contributions to the development of the town in his lifetime.
The foremost traditional ruler maintained that he has not used his position as the Alaafin of Oyo to oppress people of the town or to take away their rights.
Packaged by Gbenga Adebayo
