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  • Gani Adams mourns late Olubadan

    Gani Adams mourns late Olubadan

    The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams, has mourned the late Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, describing him as a national asset.

    The 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland died in the early hours of Monday at the age of 90.

    His death came two days after his 90th birthday and during preparations for his first coronation anniversary, which were already in full swing.

    In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Olawunmi Ojo, Adams said Nigeria had lost a peacemaker.

    Adams described the late monarch as a revered traditional ruler, cultural custodian and statesman who dedicated his life to humanity and Yoruba heritage.

    The Aare commiserated with the family of the late Olakulehin, the Oyo State Government and the entire people of Ibadanland over the great loss.

    According to him, though Oba Olakulehin’s reign was brief, it brought peace and notable progress across Ibadan for both indigenes and residents.

    Adams noted that the late monarch resolved numerous chieftaincy disputes and tackled land-grabbing activities, thereby preserving peace and order in the land.

    He added that Oba Olakulehin maintained cordial relations with the Oyo State Government and other monarchs, which fostered harmonious inter-kingdom cooperation.

    This, he said, contributed to significant developmental strides across Ibadan during the late monarch’s reign.

    Adams recalled the warm reception given to Oodua Progressive Union (OPU) members at the palace during their World Congress visit in January.

    He offered prayers for the peaceful repose of the late monarch’s soul and divine strength for the bereaved family and community.

    Olakulehin received his staff of office from Gov. Seyi Makinde on July 12, 2024, becoming the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan.

  • NADECO reacts as Gani Adams ponders over Pa Adebanjo’s demise

    NADECO reacts as Gani Adams ponders over Pa Adebanjo’s demise

    Chief Gani Adams, the Aare-Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, says Nigeria and Yoruba nation have lost an archive and deposit of history with the death Chief Ayo Adebanjo.

    Adebanjo died on Friday in his Lagos residence at Lekki Phase I aged 96.

    Adams, on a condolence visit to Adebanjo’s family on Saturday in Lagos, expressed concern about the Yoruba leader who would fill the gap left by Adebanjo.

    He said that Adebanjo was the closest sage to the late Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

    He said: “We should thank God that Baba lived a very good life and he was a very good example for Nigerians.

    “But who will fill the gap left by Baba? This is because Adebanjo was a rallying point to the entire Yoruba race.

    “One of the things we learnt from Baba is that you must not compromise your principles.

    “Baba was someone that, if he believed in one thing, no one could easily shift him.”

    He said that the crux of Adebanjo’s struggles was for the masses, describing him as an apostle of true federalism.

    “The song in his mouth before passing was that ‘let Nigeria be restructured, let the federating units be.

    “It is unfortunate that he couldn’t achieve this in his lifetime. Baba is gone and has left the battle for us to continue. We have lost an archive, a deposit of history,” he added.

    Adams, who noted that he was very close to late Adebanjo and had held countless meetings in his residence, said that the nonagenarian’s legacies would remain indelible.

    Among several other dignitaries at the residence of the Adebanjos on Saturday was Dr Sonny Kuku, a Master Physician and Endocrinologist.

    Adebanjo: We’ve lost a gem, kingmaker – NADECO

    National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) says it has lost a gem and kingmaker in the death of the late Afenifere Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo.

    A NADECO chieftain, Chief Ayo Opadokun, who led an eight-man delegation on a condolence visit to the Adebanjo family, said that the group would continue to mourn the elder statesman.

    Addressing newsmen, Opadokun said that Adebanjo, as at the time of his exit from the terrestrial divide, was the oldest member of the defunct Action Group (AG).

    He said that Adebanjo was one of the first provincial organising secretaries of AG, led by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

    “Chief Adebanjo was known for being a man of conviction throughout his life span.

    “He was a distinguished apostle of awoism and the egalitarian philosophy of life more abundant and welfarism.

    “These were embodied in the AG, Unity Party of Nigeria and the Alliance for Democracy, which he chaired after the unfortunate departure of Amb. Jolly Tanko Yusuf who decamped to the PDP.

    “Chief Adebanjo was a man of discipline, courage and industry, as he was in the habit of committing himself to anything he had voluntarily associated himself with.

    “Chief Adebanjo was never missing in the thick of Afenifere and NADECO’s many brushes with the Nigerian state coercive agents,” he said.

    Opadokun said that the late elder statesman advocated for Nigeria’s adoption of federalism as its system of government.

    He said that Adebanjo did all these because of the recognition by AG that Nigeria, being a heterogeneous country, should have a mode of government that allowed for free reigns of all the country’s diversities but united as federation of regions.

    “Adebanjo was an accomplished kingmaker of sort, as many people were groomed under his influence,” the NADECO chieftain remarked.

    According to him, the late elder statesman was one of the founders of NADECO, adding that he was a dedicated patriot.

    He applauded the late Adebanjo’s unwavering passion for justice, equity and fairness to all nationalities within Nigeria, noting that his legacy would remain indellible.

    “NADECO could say without any ambiguity that Chief Adebanjo had run the race and he has finished his course, exceptionally well.

    “When shall we find again the kind of dedicated patriots who money or lure of office cannot buy, particularly in these challenging times?” he queried.

    Opadokun said that NADECO would remain committed and steadfast to ensure that Nigeria returned to a federal constitutional governing country.

    Responding, Adebanjo’s first daughter, Mrs Adeola Azeez, commended NADECO for its support.

    She described her father’s passing as a tremendous loss to Nigeria, the Yoruba people, and everyone who knew him.

    “We will all miss him. He was a very courageous and fearless leader who touched so many lives.

    “He loved Nigeria so much that he decided to depart this world on Valentine’s Day,” she said.

    Azeez said that if Yoruba and Nigeria could come together, his father would be proud, even in death.

    NADECO chieftains on the delegation included: Prof. Sylvester Akhaine, Chief Linus Okoro, Chief Gbenga Akaka, Dr Kola Afolabi, Ms Tessy Irabor, Chief Wale Osun and Popoola Ajayi.

    Friends, associates and family members have been thronging Adebanjo’s Lekki residence since his passing was announced on Friday afternoon. Adebanjo died on Friday in his Lagos home at the age of 96.

  • You disappointed many Nigerians – Gani Adams writes Tinubu

    You disappointed many Nigerians – Gani Adams writes Tinubu

    Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has disappointed many Nigerians who thought he was “the messiah they were waiting for”.

    Iba Adams pointed this out in an open letter written to the president on the state of the nation titled: “President Bola Tinubu, Time is Going,” copy of which was made available to newsmen on Tuesday, said that many Nigerians were persuaded that he would better as a democrat exposed to modern way of governance, than his immediate predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, “a soldier who deepened the poverty levels of Nigerians and increased insecurity  from 2015 to 2023.”

    “Today, events have proved that they were wrong.

    “Mr. President, to say the truth without minding whose ox is gored, you have really disappointed many Nigerians who thought you were the messiah they were waiting for.

    “The facts are there to speak for themselves,” Adams said. the Yoruba generalissimo sadly recalled that the price of a litre of fuel was less than N200 when the president came into office on May 29, 2023, noting that currently it sold for more than N1000, just as he reminded that Naira to a Dollar was less than N740 as at then, but now sells for more than N1,600.

    According to Iba Adams, this is in spite of fact that the Finance Minister, Mr. Wale Edun, and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Yemi Cardoso, who were his two right-hand men when he was Governor of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007, were in charge of the economy, wondering what “exactly are the fiscal, economic and financial briefings they give you daily to convince you that they know what they are doing in those two offices?”

    On insecurity, Iba Adams equally lamented that situation the country had found herself, saying that many Nigerians heaved a sigh of relief that insecurity would soon become history when Buhari left office on May 29, 2023, but noted that the situation right now pitiable based on the high rate at which innocent citizens were being abducted and killed across the country.

    “Pitiably today, from the North to the South, East to the West, the rate at which Nigerians are being abducted and some killed, even after ransom was paid, it was as if these blood-thirsty maniacs have just been unleashed on Nigerians from the hottest part of hell.

    “As the Commander-in-Chief, the rising spate of insecurity across the country has put to question the kind of briefings you get on daily basis, especially, from the Inspector- General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun; the Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja, and other Security Chiefs on their modus operandi to send these killers to where they belong,” the Yoruba generalissimo said.

    This was just as he frowned at the treatment meted to those Nigerians who participated in last #EndBadGovernance protest who were arrested and charged with treason, wondering again who does such in the Comity of Nations as, according to him, governments are not with placards.

    “In the Comity of Nations, who does that? Is that the way governments are overthrown, with placards?
    Human rights activists are being harassed by security agents on a daily basis and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have become soft targets of sycophants who speak sweet words to your ears for selfish reasons.

    “Many Nigerians know the ‘radical’ role you played when you were Governor, and even after 2007, when you galvanised and mobilised them to challenge the status quo at the national level.

    “Now that you are in government, protest has suddenly become a criminal offence. God is indeed Great!!!” Adams stated.

    Speaking further, Iba Adams strongly condemned the recent fuel price increase by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), describing the move as an attack on Nigeria.

    He said the move was obviously an indication that Tinubu’s administration “is becoming indifferent, insensitive and unresponsive to the plights of millions of Nigerians who can no longer meet their daily needs.”

    The Yoruba generalissimo, while describing the decision as a brutal assault on the sensibility of Nigerians, expressed the opinion that the president and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) should be sensitive to the plights of Nigerians.

  • Insecurity: Within two years, Nigeria will break – Gani Adams

    Insecurity: Within two years, Nigeria will break – Gani Adams

    The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams has said that Nigeria might break within two years if the insecurity issues continue in the country.

    The Generalissimo of the Yoruba race also noted that despite the insecurity situation, the economic downturn, and deteriorated institutions, among other things.

    He maintained that government’s urgent implementation of true federalism was the only way to save the nation from going off the rails.

    The Odua People’s Congress, OPC, leader Adams said this at this year’s Okota celebration in his hometown of Arigidi-Akoko, in Ondo State’s Akoko North-West Local Government Area.

    He emphasized that the country’s ongoing problems would only get worse as a result of the drive to adapt Nigeria to a unitary system of government.

    “With the insecurity issues in Nigeria, there is nothing that can be done if we do not have federalism. If we do not allow federalism on the basis of regionalism, I’m afraid within two years, this country will break.

    “You can see how the wave is coming. Not only wave of insecurity, even the economy, depreciating of institution, lack of coercion in governance. Definitely, there is danger ahead if the Nigerian government did not act fast to restructure Nigeria to regionalism.”

  • News of Alaafin’s death sounded like thunderstorm – Gani Adams

    News of Alaafin’s death sounded like thunderstorm – Gani Adams

    The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams, has described the demise of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, as a national tragedy as well as a personal and colossal loss.

    The Aare Onakakanfo, in a statement on Saturday by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Kehinde Aderemi, said that the news of Alaafin’s death sounded like thunderstorm.

    Adams, who expressed shock at the news of the death of the top monarch, noted that the foremost Yoruba monarch lived a worthy life all through his reign.

    “It is a national tragedy because of what the foremost Yoruba monarch symbolised to Nigeria, to Yoruba land and to Nigerians.

    “The news of Alaafin’s death sounded like a thunderstorm. It reverberated as if there was an eclipse in the entire Yoruba land. That shows how important the Alaafin’s stool is to our race.

    “Baba’s 52-year reign was full of outstanding moments, but it is sad we lost that encyclopaedia of Yoruba, African history and global histories at this critical time in the history of our nation.

    “In his 52-year of reign, Alaafin brought enormous respect to the Yoruba traditional institution,” the Aare said.

    According to him, Nigeria, Yoruba nation and the ancient town of Oyo has loss a great monarch whose life was a true reflection of complete Yoruba monarch.

    “I am not only bereaved personally, I am also bereft of words to actually describe the extent of this huge loss.

    “I think Kabiesi’s death has created a big lacuna for the Yoruba traditional institution.

    “Kabiesi’s death is surely a national tragedy. It is a personal loss to me and it ended a chapter in the annals of this country,” he added.

    He said that the Yoruba had loss a true and revered monarch and a repository of history and knowledge.

    Adams said: “A sudden cloud has overwhelmed the entire Yoruba land and we can hardly forget the roles of Alaafin as the top Yoruba monarch in a hurry. There is no way I can figure out this collosal loss.

    “Alaafin has been a strong pillar in the service of our race. He was an Iroko among all trees and a strong voice for the Yoruba race. Alaafin was,till date,the longest reigning monarch in Oyo history.

    “No monarch had reigned for 35 years in Oyo, but Alaafin outlived that, spending 52 years on the throne.”

    He said that the late Alaafin occupied the sacred stool with much understanding of his pivotal roles and with much honour, reverence and candour that gave him the required confidence, wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

    Adams said that Alaafin showed great capacity, tenacity, and several qualities that made him a strong force to be reckoned with.

    The Aare said that he was at the palace of Alaafin in March when Kabiyesi led the chief to Bishop Ladigbolu’s function in Oyo, saying “Alaafin was hail and hearty”.

    Adams said that the late Alaafin brought development to Oyo town in all sectors, including social, political, economic,even in the area of education, sports and a cultural development.

    The Aare, who noted that the late Alaafin was the only monarch that installed two Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land in his life, described him as a symbol of true Yoruba distinct values and heritage,

    “We will sorely miss his wise counsel.We will miss his voice and resoluteness.We will miss his wisdom and knowledge of history.

    We will miss his comportment, and compassion. We will miss his character and strength.We will miss his articulate discourse, especially, on pertinent national issues.

    “We will miss his strong conviction to the Yoruba cause.We will miss his ideas and ideologies. And in all,we will miss his whole being,” he added.

    The Aare commiserated with Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, the Oyo Mesi, the family of Alaafin and the people of the state.

  • Gani Adams raises concerns over continued detention of Sunday Igboho

    Gani Adams raises concerns over continued detention of Sunday Igboho

    Aare Ona-Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, raised concerns over the continuous detention of Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Igboho.

    Adams, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Aderemi, on Tuesday in Lagos expresses disappointment at the manner the case was being handled by the Beninese Government

    The counsel for the detained activist, Chief Yomi Aliyu (SAN) had confirmed the extended incarceration of Sunday Adeyemo popularly known as Sunday Igboho in Benin Republic by six months.

    Adams described the continuous detention of Igboho without trial as misplacement of justice.

    He noted that the continuous, prolonged detention of Igboho had shown that Beninese authority was no respecter of human rights.

    “There was misplacement of justice in the way Igboho’s detention was extended without trial. It is evident that Benin Republic has taken Igboho’s case far beyond the normal legal procedures.

    “He never committed any crime. He was just expressing his displeasure under the ambit of law; however, despite the fact that there was no criminal charges against him, the Benin Republic Court still detained him unjustly without trial,” he said

    Adams stated that the law of any country that claimed to be guided by the rule of law should be explicit on the rights of individual citizen.

    According to him, Igboho’s rights have been trampled upon having spent over six months unjustly in Benin detention for a person who had not been convicted of any offence and a person who is not a criminal by any standard.

    “I urge Yoruba in the Diaspora to present Igboho’s case to the global community and efforts should be made to seek redress from the African Union Court (AUC) or International Court of Justice (ICJ).

    “The extension of the detention of Igboho further exposed the frailty in the administration of justice,” he said.

  • 2023: You’re a responsible character, I’ve no doubt, You’ll make a good leader, Bode George tells Anyim

    2023: You’re a responsible character, I’ve no doubt, You’ll make a good leader, Bode George tells Anyim

    …as Anyim consults with Yoruba leaders

    …visits Gani Adams, Adebanjo

    Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Chief Bode George described former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim as a responsible character considering his impeccable track record in administration.

    Anyim, a frontline aspirant, on Friday took his consultations to the South-West where he met with top leaders of the Yoruba race.

    Anyim, who is aspiring on the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), kicked off his consultations with the leader of the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), Iba Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba, at his Lagos home.

    Anyim also visited Chief Olabode George, former PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) and Chief Ayo Adebanjo, leader of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere.

    The visit to the three leaders is the commencement of his wider consultations with South-West leaders.

    Anyim, former Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), told Gani Adams that he had come to consult with him on his aspiration to lead the country after President Muhammadu Buhari and to seek his blessing.

    Aare Gani Adams who was happy at the visit prayed for Anyim and wished him well in his political aspiration.

    Chief Bode George said Anyim has the requisite character and competence to lead the country.

    “You are a highly responsible character. You became the Senate President, the country’s number three citizen. You were in the federal civil service. You were Secretary to the Government of the Federation. So you have gathered experience, capacity, character, knowledge. I have no doubt in my mind that you will be a good leader.”

    Chief George advised Anyim to preach peace on his campaign tours.

    “I know you as a first class planner. It shall be well with you,” he said.

    Anyim had told Chief George that he came to seek his blessings and to formally inform him of his intention to contest the 2023 presidential election.

    Addressing George who is a founding member of the PDP, Anyim said: “One unique thing to watch out for in 2023 is that the children of democracy in 1999 are stepping in to take charge.

    “On the surface, it may look ordinary but it is significant. I am one of the children of democracy. We want to advance the legacies you, the founding fathers of PDP and this democracy, bequeathed to us.

    “We can rebuild and refocus this nation and advance the cause of democracy. The country must move forward as a united entity but on the three building blocks of equity, fairness and justice.

    “I have come for you to show me the way, to carry me on your back across the bridge.”

    Bode George wished him well.

    “I want to tell you that my back is big enough to carry you. I wish you well.”

    George who lent his support to zoning said, “Our brothers from the Southeast must come together and have a direction. There must be no spoilers. By whatever parameter, what is good for the goose, must also be good for the gander.

    Anyim told Pa Adebanjo that he came to consult with him and seek his blessings.

  • 2022 will be tough if Nigeria fails to restructure —Gani Adams

    2022 will be tough if Nigeria fails to restructure —Gani Adams

    The Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, yesterday, said with the current situation of things in the nation, Nigerians may have to be ready for a tough 2022, if the Federal Government fails to embrace restructuring.

    Speaking during the second edition of the Odo Erelu festival in Lagos, Adams said that as of today, the Nigerian economy is obviously in a terrible condition, while naira is falling on a daily basis.

    His words: “For instance, N700 exchanges for one British Pound Sterling at the moment, while the Dollar is put at N578, and Euro is currently N656, at the official rate. Our naira continues to fall to the global currencies. And this has affected the exchange rates in the global market.

    “The economy is obviously not stable. Prices of essential food and commodities are on the high side. A bag of rice produced here in Nigeria is put at N25,000, while garri, which is also a very important commodity for the low-income earner, is no longer affordable to the people.

    “Today in Nigeria, nothing is free because everything has been monetized. And corruption has taken its toll on the entire system. Meanwhile, inflation and the current economic downturn have triggered the growing spate of insecurity across the country.

    “In Nigeria today, the middle class could hardly survive the harsh economic crisis while the lower class is languishing in poverty. We don’t need a prophet to tell us that by 2022, the naira might still slip further beyond what we can salvage because prices of commodities have gone beyond our reach.

    “From the present economic situation in the country, if President Buhari fails to save the economy from collapsing before December, this year, God forbids, we should be ready for a very tough time by 2022.

    “Federating units will allow each region to be able to harness the social, political and economic potentials of their respective regions. It will boost agriculture and provide effective security for farmers.”

    He also said that many of the evils that befell Yorubaland were as a result of ignorance and failure to celebrate ancestors.

     

  • Victims of kidnapping in Southwest paid over N3b to bandits in four years – Gani Adams

    Victims of kidnapping in Southwest paid over N3b to bandits in four years – Gani Adams

    The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams says victims of kidnapping in the southwest region have paid over N3bn as ransom to their captors within the last four years.

    Adams said this during a conference organised by the Southwest Security Stakeholders Group (SSSG), on Thursday, August 19, 2021, in Abeokuta, Ogun state capital.

    He said the group was formed to address security challenges in Yorubaland, adding that insecurity in the region has reached an alarming dimension.

    He said, “The south-west has lost over N3 billion as ransom paid to bandits and kidnappers ravaging the region in the last four years. And sadly too, we have lost a good number of our great sons and daughters to the criminal activities of the killer herdsmen and bandits.

    “The situation in the country is so worrisome that travellers can hardly travel for a journey of about six hours in the country without facing the trauma of being kidnapped or killed by bandits. The recent killing in Jos was a sad reminder of the gory situation we face daily across the country.

    “Insecurity has reached an alarming dimension where there is urgent need for us to take drastic action towards ending the prevailing scourge.”

    Speaking at the event, the guest lecturer, Gbenga Akingbehin said the “forced” amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914 became the country’s biggest problem.

    Akingbehin, who is a lecturer in the Department of Public Law, University of Lagos added that long years of military rule in Nigeria contributed to the current level of insecurity in the country.

  • Southwest assassinations: Bubble may burst soon– Gani Adams writes UN, US, others

    Southwest assassinations: Bubble may burst soon– Gani Adams writes UN, US, others

    Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams sues for global intervention over the killings in the South-West region, saying that “the bubble may burst soon”.

    He made the call in a letter to the Secretary General, United Nations (UN), the Chairperson of the African Union (AU), and the Secretary of State, United States.

    The message copied British Foreign Secretary, the European Union (EU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) among others.

    The letter titled “Urgent need to stop killings by Fulani herdsmen in Yorubaland” called the attention of the international community to the “clear and present danger” threatening Nigeria.

    Adams said the massacre of citizens, almost on a daily basis, was a symbol that the nation is sliding towards anarchy.

    He criticized the inability of the federal government to address the “already gory situation”.

    Mentioning that the world knows what is going on in the most populous black country, Adams appealed for action against the “agenda” and “pogrom gradually being executed in Yorubaland”

    “Yorubaland have been put under serious pressure through payment of ransom – running into millions of naira – demanded by conscienceless, unscrupulous and ruthless murderers.

    “The agitation for them to leave our land has reached an alarming crescendo. The backing (the belief of our people) by the Federal Government that ‘nobody can chase anybody from any part of the country’ is not helping matters.”

    Adams said the peace, stability and tranquility of Yoruba people are being tested by “blood-thirsty maniacs” who rape, kidnap and murder.

    He cited the invasion of Igangan, a rural community in Ibarapaland, Oyo State on June 6, 2021.

    “The massacre of scores of residents by these same band of roving killers, who prefer to stay in the forest because of their murderous intent, seems to be the last straw.”

    The Aare warned that any crisis in Nigeria would have a negative effect on the rest of the world.

    The Yoruba leader said the situation had reached a level where some herdsmen leaders openly threaten governors for banning open grazing.

    “The North has enough land to accommodate the nomadic nature of Fulani herdsmen, so why come down south to destroy people’s farms?

    “I want to say that nobody wants war but our people will not sit idle while they are being slaughtered. I am raising this alarm because what is going on is provocative and the bubble may burst soon”, Adams added.