The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, contrary to what was obtainable in 17th, 18th and 19th centuries does not need bows, arrows, guns and daggers but requires courage, boldness and bravery in responding to the challenges facing the Yoruba nation.
Chairman, Committee for the installation of Otunba Gani Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Arch Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu made this declaration in his welcome address on Saturday during the installation of Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland at Durbar Stadium, Oyo.
Ladigbolu who insisted that the Generalissimo of Yorubaland and Commander of the army does not need these weapons anymore informed that the modern Aare Ona Kakanfo need only courage, boldness, bravery, focus, application of native intelligence to international issues.
He said, “The modern Kakanfo does not need bows and arrows, guns and daggers, but requires courage, boldness, bravery, focus, application of native intelligence to international issues, and the brilliance and adaptability to respond to the myriads of challenges facing our nation and our world today.
“He requires the agility of youth, and the stamina of a long distance runner, as well as the wisdom of Solomon to be all things to all people both in season and out of season.
“While it is true that the times have changed, but human beings and their basic needs and aspirations remain basically the same. No wonder therefore that the mystique of the office of Aare Ona Kakanfo and his installation rites needs to be preserved.
“The Aare does not need all the immunisation of the 17th Century to perform his tasks, in these frightening and most challenging days.
“But apart from the visible and tangible paraphernalia of office, he has been given the cultural, traditional, customary and contemporary tools essential for his effective performance in the field of service.
“His seclusion, retreat and induction have been completed”.
Present at the installation were Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111; Olubadan of Ibadanland Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji; former Governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao Akala, Senator representing Oyo Central District, Monsurat Sunmonu and legal luminary Chief Adeniyi Akintola.
Others include Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Secretary to Osun State Government, Alhaji Masood Adeoti, Commissioner for Information in Lagos State, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan who represented Governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State among others.
Others at the venue include Publicity Secretary, Afenifere Mr. Yinka Odumakin; Elesie of Esie; Olupo of Omupo; Oloro of Oro Kingdom; Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland High Chief Lekan Balogun; Balogun of Ibadanland High Chief Owolabi Olakulehin and Iyaloja of Ibadanland Chief Isiwat Ameringun and Deji of Akure.
Vice Chancellor, University of Maiduguri, Professor Abubakar, Professor Akin Alao from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, founder of the One Love family, Sat Guru Maraji, Sir Sina Peter among others have also arrived the venue.
Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111 on Sunday, October 15th, 2017 declared the National Cordinator of the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC) Gani Adams as new Aare Ona Kakanfo.
Adams will serve as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo (Generalissimo and Commander of Yoruba army).
The acclaimed winner of the June 12th 1993 Presidential election, Late Chief Masood Kasimawo Olawale Abiola 14th Aare Ona Kakanfo who died on July 10, 1998 was the last holder of the prestigious Yoruba traditional title prior to Adams emergence.
Abiola succeeded Late Samuel Ladoke Akintola, the then Premier of the defunct Western region who was killed on January 15th, 1966 during the first Military coup.
Since the demise of Abiola in 1998, the position of the Aare Ona Kakanfo (Generalissimo), head of Yoruba warriors had been vacant until Sunday October 15th 2017 when Alaafin announced Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo designate.
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