The newly appointed Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams, on Saturday said the title won’t lead to his early death, contrary to popular belief.

Background:

The Alaafin of Oyo had named Adams the 15th Aare Ona Kankanfo of Yorubaland.

What he said:

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.

“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 leader of the OPC also added that he would continue to oversee the group’s 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.”

Azeez