• Gani Adams insists Nigeria’s survival is rooted in regionalism
By Lukman Olabiyi
Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, has said Nigeria’s survival is rooted in restructuring. He insisted: “Without restructuring, the fate of Nigeria will continue to hang in the balance.”
He spoke at the Elegbara Festival in Shasha, Lagos: “Nigeria’s problem is accumulating with the loss in the value of the naira. We need to appreciate our diversities. We need to also apply this to the structure of government by also embracing regionalism as the best approach to getting Nigeria out of this political mess.
“We need to remember the fact that the spirit of our founding fathers will not be happy with the present situation in the country. We must be ready to address the various challenges that are hindering the progress of Nigeria.
“The new year offers new hopes and opportunities for us to address the structural deficits of Nigeria. I think regionalism will help the country in achieving her greatest potential as a nation.”
Onishasha of Shasha, Oba Nasiru Lawal Ogunronbi, said: “We will always support Iba Gani Adams in driving the cultural promotion activities. That is the only way we can sustain our culture and tradition.
Onimeiran of Meiran, Oba Ismaila Adewale Oroja, urged traditional rulers to encourage cultural promotion activities: “Such move will always engender growth and development across the community.”
Oniladaba of Ladaba, Oba Ebudola Odedina Alugbin, said: “In the good old days, Yoruba land was always a safe territory. There was food in abundance and nothing threatened our existence.
“But today, we hardly sleep with our two eyes closed. That has been the result of our neglect of our culture and tradition.”
Akinrogun Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Kazeem Hamzat, said: “I want to appreciate all our royal fathers for finding time to be here. I appreciate all our members for their support and loyalty. I pray God to grant each and everyone of us the opportunity to witness another important moment in the coming years.”