Ben Dunno, Warri
Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has called for a stronger ties between the Yoruba nation and Itsekiri ethnic nationality, noting that their historical, language and cultural affinity had proved beyond all reasonable doubt that they are of the same Oduduwa descendant.
Making the call during a courtesy visit to the Olu of Warri, Ogiamme Atuwatse III, at his palace in Warri yesterday, Iba Adams recounted how the bond that existed between them from pre-colonial era, played a major role in their political alignment since the beginning of democratic rule in the country.
According to him; “We have always seen the Itsekiri people as one of the descendants of the Oduduwa. We agreed that the Benin founded the Itsekiri kingdom, but we also have Yorubas in Itsekiri”.
“Yoruba people cannot do without the Itsekiri people and the Itsekiri cannot do without the Yoruba. So, we need each other.
“When Chief Obafemi Awolowo was the Premier of the Western region, he did not joke with the Itsekiri people”.
“When June 12 was annulled, Pa Alfred Rewane stood by the Yoruba people. You cannot complete the story of the struggle from military to democratic rule without referring to Rewane,” he said.
Iba Adams assured the royal father that the Yoruba people would continue to support him on his throne.
“I am with you from today. We are ready to stand with the Itsekiri people,” he declared.
The Aare Ona Kankafo urged the Itsekiri people to unite and support the traditional ruler who he acknowledged had started on a good foundation, using his influence to network and bring development to the Iwereland.
Responding, Ogiamme Atuwatse III, appreciated Iba Adams and his entourage for the visit.
The traditional ruler who spoke through Chief Brown Mene, said both Itsekiri and Yoruba people were from the same heritage.
“We like to reiterate some of the things you attested to, that is, the relationship between the two ethnic groups”.
“We cannot think of ourselves without thinking of our origin. If you do not know where you are going, you should know where you are coming from”
“The base of our language is Yorubanoid. You can not think of Itsekiri without the Yoruba people, neither can you think of Yoruba without the Itsekiri people,” he said.