Aare Onakakanfo, Iba Gani Adams, recently made a stirring call for unity and cultural preservation at an event marking his seventh anniversary as the 15th Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land. The celebration, held in Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos, was not just a moment of personal reflection for Adams, but also a powerful reminder of the collective strength and cultural heritage that binds the Yoruba people.
He said: “When we unite, we become an impenetrable force. Only through unity we can protect ourselves from external forces and internal divisions.” The occasion, attended by Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu, Oba of Aguda, Oba Lateef Agbaosi and cultural icons, was a reflection of the significance of Adams’ leadership.
Adams, who was appointed by the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, acknowledged that his journey to the Aare Onakakanfo title had not been without its challenges. Many, he said, had advised against accepting the role, citing the brief tenures of some past holders. Notably, the legacies of figures like the late Chief MKO Abiola and the revered Ladoke Akintola had cast a shadow of doubt over the permanence of the position.
He recalled: “I knew the weight of the task ahead. But I also knew that to liberate our people, we must first believe in our traditions and heritage. The past leaders who spent many years in this seat showed us that endurance and vision are key.”
For Adams, the role of Aare Onakakanfo extends beyond ceremonial duties. It is about leadership, cultural stewardship and the relentless promotion of Yoruba traditions both locally and globally. Through initiatives like the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and the Oodua Progressive Union (OPU), Adams has worked tirelessly to ensure that the cultural and historical richness of the Yoruba people does not fade into oblivion.
He referenced the British, who, despite their modernity, continue to honour their traditions, citing the sacrificial rituals at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II as an example of how nations can preserve their cultural identity while engaging with the world.
The event also served as an opportunity to invest in the future of the Yoruba people. The Gani Adams Foundation (GAF) awarded scholarships to promising students, recognising the importance of education in securing the race’s future.
Among the recipients were Miss Majolagbe Ganiyat Tolulope, Lagos State University (LASU); Miss Dosunmu Adewunmi Mutiat, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife; Miss Stella Onyinyechi Obianor, Tai Solarin University and Master Adebayo Ayoade Rasaki, University of Ibadan. These students, selected for their academic excellence and need, were hailed as the future leaders who will carry the torch of the Yoruba tradition forward.
The day was filled with cultural performances, including a tribute song by the legendary Sir Sina Peters, and dances that echoed the heartbeat of Yoruba culture.
Adams left his audience with a message: “Our culture is our pride. If we forget who we are, we will be lost. Let us stand together, not just in times of joy, but in every effort to protect and promote the identity of the Yoruba race.”