Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has declared his support and that of the state government for the emergence of Otunba Gani Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.
Ambode declared his position on Tuesday when Adams, who is the National Coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and Convener of the Oodua Progressive Union (OPU), paid him a courtesy call.
Ambode said he was delighted when the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, announced Adams as the Aare Ona Kakanfo.
He said: “Let me say that you have our support for your installation and beyond.
“We will work with you for the unity of Yorubaland and Nigeria in general.”
Speaking earlier, Adams told Ambode he was at the Lagos House to formally introduce himself as the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate and invite him to his installation, which will take place on Saturday at Durbar Stadium in Oyo town, Oyo State.
He also told Ambode that the time had come for all Yoruba sons and daughters to jettison those issues that divided them in the past and unite for the progress of the race.
He said: “Whatever happened in the past, we should put behind us and move ahead as one.
“Without unity, we cannot progress.
“We need ourselves moving forward.”
Adams equally praised Ambode for the developmental projects he had embarked upon since his assumption of office over two years ago.
Among them are the lighting up of Lagos and the befitting statue for the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, which he said is not only historical but a way of encouraging youths to imbibe the virtues of the former Premier of the Western Region.
He equally urged Ambode to champion the promotion of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission and the ideals of the Oodua Group of Companies.
He also emphasised the need for the promotion of the culture of the South-West, saying this was why he championed the Olokun Festival, adding that this will promote tourism and drive the economy of the region.
Adams said Lagos retains its pride of place in the South-West and, as such, must continue to play leadership roles in the several challenges facing the region.
Adams also commended Ambode’s role in the political and economic integration of South-West.
Adams alluded to the fact that Ambode, since assumption of office has taken the growth of the South West region to heart.
“I want to thank you for your role in the South-West integration. I believe that Lagos is South-West, even though it is the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, in your own tenure, I have realised that you are more interested in the integration of the South-West and we are Yorubas, no matter where we come from, thank you so much for that”.
The Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate also lauded Ambode, noting that it was in his tenure that Lagos joined the Oodua Investment Group, an initiative tailored towards expanding the economic integration of the South West Region.
“I have realised that in your own tenure, you clearly came out to support Oòduà Investment. So, its important for any Governor of Lagos State to supportthe Group, because about 50 to 60 per cent of Oòduà investment is in Lagos and as the number one citizen and Chief Security Officer, its a good direction and God will bless you for that “.
Commending the developmental strides in Lagos, Adams said the governor, in the last two and half years, had succeeded in giving the state a major facelift,adding that appreciable level of progress has been recorded across the State.
“I am so particular about the Light up Lagos. If I am driving from the Island anytime from 8pm, I always ask my Chief of Staff or driver if we are in Europe or we are still in Nigeria or the same Lagos that we were living before?
“I think that anyone that gives light, gives life, by giving light to Lagos State, you are giving life to Lagos State and the more you keep on lighting up Lagos, God will continue to develop Lagos State,” he said.
He said his visit to Lagos House was also to establish a relationship with the State Government going forward.
“Chief Obafemi Awolowo said that there is no permanent enemy or permanent friend in politics. No matter anything that has happened, I want to build a relationship with you, personally, with the Lagos State Government and with the people of Lagos,” the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate said.
Ambode, who said Lagos, over the years has remained the heartbeat of the future of the Yoruba race, assured that no stone would be left unturned to engender South West integration as well as preserve its rich heritage and culture.
He said his administration remains firmly committed to the economic and political integration of the South West and would continue to support initiatives towards its success.
“We believe so much in the Yoruba race, we believe so much that Lagos remains the bull work of the future of the Yoruba race and we would not let the Yoruba race down. Yes, we believe so much in Nigeria but we know where we are from and we know that everything that binds us together as one we would continue to support,” he said.
Congratulating the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate, Ambode said the title was one of the most significant in the Yoruba culture, noting that the emergenceof Otunba Gani Adams clearly shows that the economic integration and political cohesion of the South West region was on course.
“This visit is not ordinary, it’s significant for us. It also shows that we are embodiment of the Yoruba heritage. We support fully, the ascension of the title, Aare Ona Kakanfo in the person of Otunba Gani Adams. What the State Government is trying to do this morning is to say that the Yoruba culture and the Yoruba heritage must not be left in tatters and just as he has said, this title is one of the most significant titles that actually bind the Yoruba culture together.
“So for us, for Otunba Gani Adams to have been so chosen divinely as the next Aare Ona Kakanfo, it shows that what we have been speaking about the economic integration and the political cohesion of the Yoruba race is in good hands,” the Governor said.
While thanking Oba Adeyemi for choosing Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Ambode said the title comes with some deference, authority andresponsibility, assuring Otunba Adams that the State Government would offer support to make his tenure a success.
“We as a government, beyond the fact that we would support you, we would also put you in prayers that whatever the responsibility is, God in his infinite mercies will support you; you would be the most successful Aare Ona Kakanfo that the Yoruba race has ever had. Because we are involved, we would make sure that everything that has to do with the Yoruba heritage, everything that has to do with the Yoruba culture, we would protect with all our heart,” the governor said.
