Otunba Gani Adams – The making of a Generalissimo of Yorubaland.
As long as you believe in what you are doing – do not stop doing it, no matter the challenges. After General Ibrahim Babangida, the then Nigerian military president annulled the 1993 presidential elections which was declared Nigeria’s freest and fairest presidential election by both local and International observers. M.K.O Abiola won the SDP primary election where his major opponents were Alhaji Atiku Abubakar – who later became Nigeria’s Vice President to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (Atiku is in the race to rule Nigeria come 2019 – 24years after his first attempt) and Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe( he was later picked as the running mate to Abiola at the polls).
Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (S.D.P) defeated his rival, Bashir Othman Tofa of the National Republican Convention (N.R.C) with no small margin and he even won in Kano – the home state of his opponent. M.K.O won all the polling stations in Abuja – the seat of the military government. Then the ugly cancer occurred – the cabals, jackals, and hyenas in government denied him his mandate. Instead of handing over to him, another Military government found its way into power without a single shot fired ( well at least not during the power exchange).
Every notable politician in S.D.P started running about as they were being hunted, many lost their lives and various were jailed – including the acclaimed winner of the election, Chief M.K.O Abiola who was incarcerated and he later died in prison. The rest of the lucky politicians scampered via Cotonou to various countries.
M.K.O Abiola’s kinsmen felt cheated with this broad day light robbery and hell was let loose with riots and killings all over the country. Alas, there was a warrior cum leadership vacuum among the Yorubas. Oodua Peoples Congress was born to protect not only the Yoruba people but to also promote the culture and tradition.
Otunba Gani Adams rose to nationwide popularity as the National Coordinator of O.P.C. He later became the de facto leader of a faction of the Oodua Peoples Congress. While most of the present Yoruba leaders were in the United Kingdom or U.S.A on exile – fair enough they were running from death and jail at home but Otunba Gani Adams was on the frontline protecting his people. He was abused, arrested and paraded like a common criminal – No he didn’t give up on his desire to lead his people and give them a voice. He protected his person like Aare Latoosa who was a strong man during the kiriji war. He is bold and extremely courageous and mostly during the era of General Sanni Abacha.
Join me in congratulating a go-getter, an achiever, a dogged fighter, a cultural progenitor. In the tradition of the Yorubas – especially in the Oyo Kingdom, before you can be installed or considered for such an important title, you must have a certain degree of charisma and leadership qualities.
I have watched with keen interest his genuine interest in the culture and tradition of his people. From Oluomo Festival, Osun-Osogbo Festival, Olojo Festival in ile-ife, Lisabi day to Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu. He is everywhere embracing his people, culture, and tradition.
Bashorun Gaa had his time,
Aresa did his own time,
Olugbon had his time,
Aare Kokorogangan of Iwoye Ketu did his,
Aare Kurumi of Ijaiye did his,
Aare Oyabi of Ajase had his time,
Aare Toyeye of Ogbomoso did his,
Aare Adeta of Jabata had his time,
Aare Afonja of Ilorin has his,
Aare Amepo of Abemo did his,
Aare Oyatope of Iwoye had his time,
Aare Ojo Aburumaku of Ogbomoso did his,
Aare Oku of Jabata did his,
Aare Edun of Gbogun did his time,
Aare Ladoke Akintola of Ogbomoso did his,
Aare M.K.O Abiola of Abeokuta sacrificed his life for democracy.
Otunba Gani Adams of Arigidi Akoko – The 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland shall have his time. The warrior among warriors.
You paid the price – time to reap the rewards! Your people are hoping that as the Aare ona kakanfo you will promote the unity and culture among them.
The new Aare is a young man, the new Ooni of ife is a young man – It is a new era of young leaders in the land either traditionally or politically.
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