How I Became Aare Ona Kakanfo – Gani Adams

The new Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams, on Tuesday, spoke on his emergence as the Yoruba warlord.

Speaking concerning his age, Gani Adams disclosed his age to be 47 and that he is not too young to be the next to fit into that powerful position as much as age is not even a criterion.

“I am 47 years old. Chiefs Ladoke Akintola and M. K. O. Abiola were in their 40s when they were honoured. I am not too young to be the new Aare Ona Kakanfo.

“Generals Yakubu Gowon and Olusegun Obasanjo were younger when they assumed positions of leadership; Gowon was in his 30s and Obasanjo was in his 40s,” he said.

He also narrated his efforts before becoming Are Ona Kakanfo as such that was engendered both intellectually and spiritually.

He stressed that he never maneuver his way to secure the seat for himself although some people deemed him to be worthy of the position.

“I never lobbied to become the Aare Ona Kakanfo. When people felt I should be the next one, I had to consult widely; both intellectually and spiritually.

“My wife was afraid when I told her. It took me time to convince her that the position is not synonymous with death.

“I eventually wrote to the Alaafin of Oyo to indicate my interest in the position. The rest today is history.”

Chief Gani Adams also assured that he will live up to the task ahead of him.

Comparing his status with the last Are Ona Kakanfo, a business mogul and politician, Late Chief M.K.O Abiola, he said:

“I am not as wealthy as the last Aare Ona Kakanfo, but the structure I have today with six million followers is something that cannot be wished away.

“I am going to be a bridge-builder and promote the unity of the Yoruba race. I will reach out to people who will help to move the Yoruba race. I am going to reach out to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other Yoruba leaders”.

He said contrary to popular belief, the title was not a death knell for anybody chosen as the Aare Ona Kakanfo.

“Most men given the title were war generals. The myth that all the Aare Ona Kakanfo ended in tragedy is not true. We shouldn’t allow such a myth to cast a shadow on the good office of the Aare Ona Kakanfo.

“I am a fighter. You must understand that death is a product of God. I have been fighting for many years and will work to promote the Yoruba agenda,” he added.

He however, said he would moderate his radicalism.

Adams added, “My new position will moderate my radicalism, but it will not make me to compromise my principles. Let me also mention that the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi was always referring to me as generalissimo; I never paid much attention to that.