- Forbidden From Seeing The Alaafin Till Day Of Installation
Chief Gani Adams on Wednesday in ancient Oyo town declared that he was ready to perform all the necessary traditional rites before his installation as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland on Saturday.
The Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate revealed this while speaking with newsmen in Oyo before going into seclusion for the traditional rites.
Adams arrived at the residence of the Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the installation ceremony, Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu (Rtd.), at about 5p.m., and spoke with newsmen for about five minutes before he was led into the seclusion.
Sources at the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo,, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, informed newsmen that the traditional rites dictate that the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate is forbidden from seeing the Alaafin from the moment he entered into the seclusion until the installation day.
Answering questions from newsmen before being led into seclusion, Adams announced that the traditional rites must be done as demanded by the tradition, declaring that he was fully prepared for it.
“In a normal circumstance like this, one has to prepare his mind. The traditional rites have to be properly done, because it is not good enough if they are not properly done”, he added.
According to him, the title of Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland is like a kingship title that requires strict observance of traditional rites by holders of the title.
The Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate, however, maintained that traditional rites are not all about sacrifice, but includes impartation of knowledge and teaching of historical events that will make holder of the traditional title to function effectively.
In a similar vein, Bishop Ladigbolu told newsmen that the traditional rites were essential, as without them the process of installing an Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland will not be completed.
The Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the installation ceremony, added that preparations for the Saturday’s ceremony were almost concluded.
Packaged by Gbenga Abegunrin
