he Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has declared the National Coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Gani Adams, as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.

The declaration was made on Sunday during his 79th birthday celebration, a statement by the spokesperson for Mr. Adams, Segun Akanni, said, adding that his principal had received a letter of appointment from the Alaafin.

The monarch also confirmed the declaration while speaking with newsmen last night.

“Yes, I have confirmed Otunba Gani Adams as the next Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland. He emerged out of the five aspirants that I considered for the position but I will hold a press conference where he will be formally announced. It is after this announcement that the traditional rites for his installation will start,” he said.

When asked how the lot fell on Adams, Oba Adeyemi said this would be disclosed during his press conference scheduled for this week.

Mr. Adams is expected to replace late business mogul and politician, Moshood Abiola, who died in July 1998 in the detention camp of the late military dictator, Gen. Sani Abacha, in 1998 for refusing to trade his presidential mandate for freedom.

Since the demise of Abiola, the position of the Aare Ona Kakanfo (Generalissimo), head of Yoruba warriors had been vacant until yesterday (Sunday) when a letter of appointment was given to the OPC leader by Oba Adeyemi.

 360nobs