TheNewsGuru

Tag: gani adams

  • Aare Ona Kakanfo: Buhari congratulates Gani Adams, urges him to use title for Nigeria’s unity

    Aare Ona Kakanfo: Buhari congratulates Gani Adams, urges him to use title for Nigeria’s unity

    President Muhammadu Buhari warmly congratulates Gani Adams, Leader of the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, on his investiture as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo, January 13, 2018.

    President Buhari charges Mr. Adams to use the new position to pursue worthy goals of security, peace and national unity.

    The president commends the Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi 111, on the appointment of a new Aare Ona Kakanfo, who will assist him in the arduous task of leading the illustrious Yoruba people.

    Mr. Buhari urges the new Kakanfo to bring quintessential courage, wisdom and astuteness to bear on his new office, for a more secured life for the weak, vulnerable and voiceless in the country.

    The president prays that the almighty God will grant the Aare Ona Kakanfo a favourable reign.

     

  • Aare Ona Kakanfo: Pastor Sam Adeyemi eulogises Gani Adams

    Aare Ona Kakanfo: Pastor Sam Adeyemi eulogises Gani Adams

    The Senior Pastor of Daystar Christian Centre, Sam Adeyemi, has acknowledged the passion of the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate, Otunba Gani Adams, in the protection of the interests of all Yoruba people.
    Adeyemi, who is from Kogi State, stated this in a congratulatory letter he sent to Otunba Adams on Monday.
    The letter, which was a response to Adeyemi’s invitation to the installation of Adams on Saturday in Oyo town, Oyo State by the Alaafin of Oyo, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, was dated January 8, 2018.
    It reads: “I write to acknowledge receipt of your letter inviting me to your installation as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, scheduled to hold on Saturday, January 13, 2018.
    “I commend and congratulate you on your laudable achievement in recognition of your passion to protect the interests of all Yoruba people. However, I will be unable to attend as I am out of the country on a ministerial assignment.
    “I pray that God will give you unusual wisdom and sound health to serve with excellence in your new position in Jesus name. Amen.”

  • Aare Ona Kakanfo: Saraki congratulates Gani Adams, urges him to work for Nigerian’s unity

    Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki on Friday urged the Aare Ona Kakanfo designate of Yorubaland, Otunba Gani Adams, to work for the unity of Nigeria.

    Saraki made the call when Adams visited him in Abuja, according to a statement on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sanni Onogu.

    The Senate President noted that the conferment of the Aare Ona Kakanfo title on Adams was a reflection of the fact that the time had come for the younger, vibrant and energetic generation of Nigerians to take leadership responsibility.

    He said, “You have a great role and responsibility ahead and I pray that the almighty Allah will give you the strength and wisdom so that in your time too, you can achieve a lot of feat, not just for the youth, but also for the unity of Nigeria because at this particular time, there is nothing more important to us than the unity of this great country.

    “I congratulate you on this because it is a title which for many years has been bestowed on people of caliber, who have dedicated themselves to the welfare of the people and I am sure you will be able to step into the shoes very well.”

  • Alaafin announces date for installation of Gani adams as Aare Ona kakanfo

    Alaafin announces date for installation of Gani adams as Aare Ona kakanfo

    The installation of Otunba Gani Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland has been fixed for January 13, 2018.

    The announcement was contained in a statement issued by Adams’ Director of Media and Communication, Femi Adepoju, on Sunday.

    Adepoju said, “The palace of the Alaafin of Oyo, Iku Baba Yeye Alase Ekeji Orisa, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has scheduled the installation of the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate, Otunba Gani Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo for January 13, 2018.”

    Recall that the acclaimed winner of the June 12th 1993 Presidential election, Late Chief Masood Kasimawo Olawale Abiola who died on July 10, 1998 was the last holder of the prestigious Yoruba traditional title.

    Abiola it was also gathered 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 the appointment of Gani Adams.

     

  • Aare Ona Kakanfo: Gani Adams blasts critics, says ‘I won’t die young’

    …promises not to dump OPC after coronation

    The Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams, on Saturday dismissed superstitious belief that taking the title may lead to his early death.

    The National Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples’ Congress told newsmen in Lagos that not all those who held the position in the past had died young as is being speculated.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Adams will become the 15th Aare Ona Kankanfo of Yorubaland when installed.

    He said, “Let me say that death belongs to God. Only God can decide and determine when anyone can die and until God decides, I will not die young as the defender of my people.

    “Aare title is highly spiritual and I have handed over my destiny and tenure to God.

    “The position in the past meant that you have to continually fight wars to protect your people, and may be killed in the process, but that was before Nigeria became a sovereign nation.

    “The job in the modern era is limited in terms of physical defence because there are security apparatus to settle disputes.

    “However, it has become a position to unify the Yoruba race, defend their interest and believe in their cause.”

    The 47-year-old leader of the OPC also put to rest speculations that he would dump the group following his new status, saying he would continue to oversee its activities.

    He said, “The OPC is my sweat. I will delegate some powers to some members to continue to run it while I oversee it.

    “The OPC gave birth to the Oodua Progressive Union which I have established in 78 countries to cater for the interest of Yoruba people in Diaspora.

    “I will continue to have a stake not only in the OPC but in all groups in Yorubaland.

    “I intend to use my position to unify and strengthen all factionalised pressure and cultural groups in Yoruba land.”

    Adams added that in spite of his elevation to a higher office, he would continue to render selfless service to all Nigerians based on fairness and justice.

    The Aare Ona Kakanfo to be said that the title was not too big a shoe for him to fit into.

    He said, “I have managed millions of people in Yorubaland.

    “I began to fight for my people at a tender age of 29 years since 1999.

    “I have never been in government. I have always fought for the Yorubas.

    “I know the terrain of all Yoruba people and their culture. I only ask God for wisdom to unify my people more and see that there is unity, justice and fairness for and among my people.

    “This title is a reward from my people on the basis of honour and not salary.”

    On the issue of the true federalism, the OPC coordinator said that the difference between true federalism and restructuring was semantics.

    “I totally support either restructuring or true federalism because it would ensure equity and fairness for all Nigerians.

    “We will continue to agitate for a more prosperous Nigeria,” he added.

  • Are Ona Kakanfo: Atiku congratulates Alafin, Gani Adams

    Former Vice-President and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Atiku Abubakar has commended the Alaafin of Oyo over his nomination of a new Are Ona Kakanfo.

    The Waziri Adamawa, in a press statement signed by his media office on Wednesday, 18 October, noted that the appointment of Otunba Gani Adams as the new Kakanfo is a call to national duty.

    “In an age when cultural values are increasingly being forgotten, the new Are Ona Kakanfo has a responsibility to promote the rich cultural values of the Yoruba people.

    “I know Otunba Gani Adams to be a man of deep philosophical leaning. I know he is capable of shouldering the responsibilities that comes with the the office and I wish him success as he undertakes those

    Atiku urges the Are Ona Kakanfo to use the privilege of his higher calling to promote the unity of Nigeria and to continue to be a good ambassador of the Yoruba people.

  • Are Ona Kakanfo: Adams may not be as wealthy as Abiola, Akintola, others but he deserves title – Alaafin

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, on Wednesday said the National Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress, Gani Adams by all ramifications deserves the title of Are Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.

    The revered monach said though the OPC leader might not have the wealth and achivements of the previous title holders such as the late MKO Abiola and Ladoke Akintola but he (Adams) sure deserves the title because of his passion for defending his people, their culture and tradition.

    The Alaafin however maintained that he consulted widely before bestowing the title on Adams.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the Alaafin had on Sunday issued a letter of appointment to the OPC coordinator as the Yoruba generalissimo, thereby succeeding the late MKO Abiola, who was the last person to occupy the position.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that there has been constant criticisms in some quarters since the Alaafin announced Adams as the next Are Ona Kakanfo. However, the Alaafin in defence of his action said: “The choice of Adams was well thought out before a decision was taken. You may not place him beside Abiola in terms of wealth and other great achievements of the former Are Ona Kakanfos among the Yoruba people and beyond, but Adams has shown enough charisma to deserve the honour.

    “If you have been observing him in the past many years, Adams attends all Yoruba festivals, irrespective of where they are held. He also promotes our culture through so many means including his annual Olokun festival.

    “I picked him because he loves the Yoruba race and all the culture and tradition of our people. He has contributed immensely to upholding them. Whenever he attends these festivals, he goes with a large entourage and financially, he is always responsible for the cost. He does not attend in order to benefit financially.

    “He may be young but he is also very bold and courageous. These are traits synonymous with an Are Ona Kakanfo. Adams is a Yoruba cultural enthusiast. He defends the race anywhere he goes. Among his strengths is that he has strong supporters in every town in Yorubaland through his Oodua Peoples Congress.”

    The Alaafin said the OPC boss did not pay him anything to be made the Are Ona Kakanfo, adding that wealth was not a requirement for the office.

    “Money or material wealth is not considered before choosing an Are Ona Kakanfo. Abiola promoted everything that had to do with Yoruba race. He was popular among his people and he was close to traditional rulers. So, Adams may not be as rich as Abiola but I can tell you he has all the qualities an Aare Ona Kakanfo should possess. He leads an organisation that is ever ready to defend the cause of the Yoruba race. Is there any Yorubaman that has such clout as Adams without being a politician today?” said the monarch.

  • Aare Onakakanfo: I’ll settle differences with Obasanjo, Tinubu, Fasheun, others soon – Gani Adams

    The Leader of the O’Odua People’s Congress, Chief Gani Adams, on Tuesday said that his new position as the Aare Onakakanfo of Oyo will moderate his radicalism.

    At a media chat in Lagos, Adam’s promised to use the new position to make friends, resolve issues and fight for unity of Yoruba and the entire Nigeria.

    Adams made the pledge while confirming receipt of a letter from the Alafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, conferring him with the chieftaincy title.

    ” This Aare Onakakanfo position will moderate my radicalism but I will not compromise.

    ”I am ready to make friends and resolve any issue I have with every Yoruba person and Nigerian.

    “I will, as soon as possible, meet with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I will meet Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as well as Fasehun and others.

    ” I am ready to fight for justice for Yoruba people and for Nigerians, ” Adams said.

    He gave the assurance that he would be good to Nigerians irrespective of their tribes.

    Adams, aged 47, said that Adeyemi found him worthy of the title because he was young and courageous to face any aggression.

    He also said that his charisma, determination, loyalty, focus and interest in the Yoruba race played a role in his choice for the title.

    Adams noted that one could be chosen for the title only as a philanthropist and a freedom fighter.

    He thanked God for making it possible for him to be chosen, and pledged that he would serve his motherland faithfully.

    He thanked the media for playing a vital role in his life.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Adams has so far received 52 chieftaincy titles.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Aare Onakakanfo title was held last by the late Chief Moshood Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

    Abiola died in 1998.

  • Alaafin names OPC leader, Gani Adams as new Aare Ona Kakanfo

    Alaafin names OPC leader, Gani Adams as new Aare Ona Kakanfo

    The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III on Sunday declared the National Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Chief Gani Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo (Generalissimo) of Yorubaland.

    Recall that the acclaimed winner of the June 12th 1993 Presidential election, Late Chief Masood Kasimawo Olawale Abiola who died on July 10, 1998 was the last holder of the prestigious Yoruba traditional title.

    Abiola it was also gathered 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 today (Sunday) when a letter of appointment was given to the OPC leader by Oba Adeyemi.

    Personal Assistant to Adams, Segun Akanni who confirmed the development to TheNewsGuru.com in a telephone conversation at about yesterday declared that the OPC leader was happy to be honoured with the prestigious Yoruba traditional title.

    Akanni said, “Yes. It is true. We just received the appointment letter this evening.

     

  • MKO Abiola: Name June 12 Democracy Day – Orji Kalu, Gani Adams, Odumakin tell FG

    MKO Abiola: Name June 12 Democracy Day – Orji Kalu, Gani Adams, Odumakin tell FG

    In commemoration of the 24th anniversary of the June 12 1993 elections popularly believed to be won by the candidate of the then Social Democratic Party, SDP, Chief MKO Abiola, prominent Nigerians and activists have called on the Federal Government to name June 12 as the authentic Democracy Day (currently celebrated on May 29) in Nigeria.

    Former governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, leader of the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, Chief Gani Adams and human rights activist, Dr. Dr. Joe Odumakin were among those that agitated for the recognition of June 12 as Democracy Day in Nigeria.

    They spoke during an event to mark the 1993 election organised by the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) in Lagos.

    Speaking at the event, former governor of Abia State, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu said: “The Democracy Day celebration should not be on May 29 but, on June 12. That date should be the symbol of fairness, equity and obedience to the rule of law because unfortunately, most of our security agencies have taken the law into their hands instead of allowing the law to take its course”, Kalu said.

    “No matter what you say about our Judiciary, I have been to many countries in Africa and I can confidently say ours is the best. We should not because of a few bad people say that the entire judiciary is bad.

    “As a state governor, we went to court 15 times against the federal government and we won 13 times. Is it not the same judiciary that ruled in our favour? I call on the federal government to learn to obey the laws of the court, no matter how frivolous they are.

    “These are the ideals Abiola died for. We have to protect our institutions; Nigeria is our country and we cannot run away from it. The country is in need of assimilation, healing and the right democratic ethos.

    “People have a right to do anything that they want, but do not have the right to carry arms. In countries like The Gambia, you would not know the difference between a Muslim and a Christian, but, Nigeria is drifting because of quarrel and strife. I am a Catholic, but, I have always taken part in Ramadan.

    “The governors have their club, so does the political elite and they are usually united in pushing forward their agenda, but, in the end, if the masses do not stick together by pushing their own agenda through the ballot box, they are the ones who will suffer.”

    In his speech, OPC National Coordinator, Gani Adams, who stated that June 12 will always be Democracy Day, lamented that those who benefitted from the struggle have forgotten Abiola and his mandate.

    His words: “June 12 and will remembered by those who have defied the culture of silence and conspiracy against a significant moment in Nigeria’s history, to remind us of how today, 24 years ago, the battle against the exit of the military from power was fought at the ballot by a determined Nigerian people.

    “It is sad that, apart from the South West states, there has been indifference to the June 12 phenomenon by the federal government and the rest of Nigeria. That election was adjudged to be free, fair and peaceful, but the military government led by Ibrahim Babangida, played games with the transition to civilian rule.

    “It chose not to announce the final results of the election. That singular act was seen by many as a coup against the Nigerian people and an act of brazen injustice.

    “It is sad today that those who benefitted most from Abiola’s martyrdom do not want to be reminded of him. Those who used to talk about injustice have since, given opportunity, inflicted their own injustice on the people.

    “Those who used to swear by Abiola’s name have since found new political patrons. Those who proclaimed Abiola as the symbol of democracy and the rallying point for the people’s hopes have since been dancing on his grave.

    “It is unfortunate that Nigeria forgets too soon, for when the Jonathan administration tried to address this injustice by naming a significant national institution after Abiola, the attempt resulted in controversy and a storm.

    “Jonathan had renamed the University of Lagos after Abiola, but, the students and staff trooped to the streets, in protest. Politics and opportunism was read into the gesture and government had to eat the humble pie.”

    Human rights activist, Dr. Joe Odumakin, added her voice to calls for the date to be officially recognized by the federal government.

    “It is very delightful to know that the spirit of June 12 is still alive. When Kalu was the governor of Abia state, he was the first person to declare a public holiday to commemorate June 12 and we commended him for that.

    “I join by voice to other patriotic Nigerians who demand that June 12 be declared the Democracy Day for Nigeria because it symbolises the promotion of positive ideals and national integrity,” she said.