GANI Adams, the national coordinator of Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, on Tuesday, October 17, defended his appointment as the Aare Ona Kakanfo, saying he was not too young to hold the title.

Speaking at a media parley in Lagos, the Aare Ona Kakanfo designate, however, promised not to compromise his principles despite his acceptance of the title bestowed on him by Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, the Alaafin of Oyo.

Correcting the impression that he was too young for the title, he said: “Most of the people who have been Aare Ona Kakanfo were not up to 50. Chief MKO Abiola was not up to 50 years when he became Aare Ona Kakanfo in 1988, Chief Samuel Akintola was not up to 54 in 1964 when he was given the title. Apart from the two I mentioned, most of the Aare Ona Kakanfo were younger because, according to the history of the Yoruba race, they always look for a courageous young blood that can face external aggressors.

“It is not about the age, it is about your charisma, determination, loyalty to the Alaafin of Oyo, focus and your interest in the cause of Yoruba race. Those are the factors that are usually considered.

“When I told Kabiyesi I was ready, he called me the second day that I should send him my bio data which I did. He promised to consult with traditional rulers and political stakeholders in Yoruba land on the title. That was in June this year.

“The Aare Ona Kakanfo is a position of service to Yoruba land, one can only attain the position as a freedom fighter, philanthropist. Abiola attained it in 1988 as a philanthropist, Ladoke Akintola attained it as Premier of Western Region.

“The Kabiyesi considered me because I promote Yoruba culture. When people the Kabiyesi consulted called to inform me, I told them I was not desperate but that I was ready to serve the Yoruba race.

“I have been involved in service to Yoruba race since March 15, 1999 when I became the National Coordinator of the OPC.”

The OPC leader believes that the title will moderate his radicalism. He said: “The Aare Ona Kakanfo will moderate my radicalism. I am ready to mend fences and resolve any situation or any issue I have with any Yoruba person and Nigeria in general, but I will not compromise my principle. As Aare Ona Kakanfo I intend to promote the unity and culture of Yoruba.”

He also promised to embark on a mend fencing mission with all and sundry. “Within a short period, I will meet Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and I will meet with Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. When you are fighting a cause, you will disagree to agree, I can tell you that this position will moderate my radicalism and it will not cow the course I believe in. I will fight for justice of the Yoruba and Nigerian people. I can assure you that I will not betray the course of Yoruba people.’’

– Oct 18, 2017 @ 12:21 GMT