Otunba (Dr.) Gani Adams was born on 30th April, 1970 in Ondo State, Nigeria. He is a Nigerian social activist and politician. He attended Ansar-Ud-deen Secondary School, Randle Avenue, Surulere before he went for furniture making and interior decorating training which he successfully completed in 1987. In his drive for self improvement, he bagged a Diploma in Tourism Management from the International Aviation School, Tema, Ghana in 2003. To further sharpen his academic capabilities, he bagged a Diploma in International Affairs and Strategic Studies from the Lagos State University (LASU).
Ganiyu is the leader of a faction of the Oodua Peoples Congress, a secessionist and nationalist organisation based in Nigeria, which supports a sovereign state for the Yoruba people. Oodua Peoples Congress was formed in 1994 as a socio-cultural organization that was established in 1994 to champion the course of the Yoruba race following the iniquitous annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election by the erstwhile military despot, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida. Among its major objectives are: to protect the interest of the Yoruba people in the nation-state called Nigeria; to fight for justice for the oppressed Nigerian’s; to agitate for a genuine federalism in Nigeria; and to clamour for and support self-determination struggle in all ramifications.
On October 14, 2017, Adams was declared as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland by Oba Adeyemi III, The Alaafin of Oyo. The title was last held by Moshood Abiola before his death in 1998.
In the old Oyo Empire, the position of Aare Ona Kakanfo was a very significant one. He was in charge of the security of the empire as generalissimo of all armies in Yorubaland, and was charged with protecting the empire against external attacks. By virtue of his position, he was a king of sorts, and as such never resided in the same town with the Alaafin Oyo, the appointing authority.
The title is usually given to persons of substance who have fought for the interest of Yoruba race.
Since inception of Oyo Kingdom, 14 persons have occupied the position; the last being Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola who died in 1998. Since then, it was gathered that a number of people who were proposed for the traditional office turned it down because of some superstitious beliefs surrounding their ends.
An in-depth look into historical background of previous holders of the title shows that all the Aare Ona Kakanfos ever installed died during periods of strife, with many ending their lives in violent circumstances.
This could have accounted for the refusal of those who rejected the offer for the 15th Aare. However, 19 years after the death of Chief Abiola, the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi took his time to look for another nominee for the title.
GUYS, WHAT DO YOU THINK?
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Edited by: Endy Edeson
Photo News Editor: Endy Edeson
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FACEBOOK COMMENTS
Endy Edeson
@WEST: In the old Oyo Empire, The Aare Ona Kakanfo was in charge of the security of the empire, and was charged with protecting the empire against external attacks.
West Tamunoemi Peter
@Endy Edison it's a welcome development but I hope the title will not be politicize
Endy Edeson
@West: Not at all, Yorubas have big respect for their gods, there is a spiritual and historical backing on this title. The holder is advised to do right otherwise....
Olufemi Adekunle Rotty
He deserve it,your biography of him did not cover what he went through in the hand of the millitary during the heady days of Abacha,when frontline NADECO members were being hounded to exile,he deserve it.
Endy Edeson
@Olufemi: That's true. I intentionally removed that part because I am only celebrating him, there were allegations against him I choose not to include