In a statement by spokesman, Kehinde Aderemi, Adams decried the pain inflicted on the people “by the inaction and connivance of those in authority with terrorists”.

He urged President Muhammadu Buhari to stop the drift, warning that breaches in recent months confirmed that “all is not well with the security architecture”.

“A dollar is now more than N700. This is an administration that met dollars at less than N200 in 2015.

“We now have a situation in which family members are being forced to raise N100million naira to pay as ransom.

“The money is delivered to these terrorists to buy more weapons and the government is merely watching.”

The Yoruba high chief said after abductions and killings, “the President summons Service Chiefs, statements are issued and that is the end of it”.

Adams noted that the situation has reached a peak with terrorists threatening to kidnap the President, governors, and lawmakers.”

He lamented the information that several reports from the Department of State Services (DSS) warned of the invasion of the Kuje prison.

The traditional leader said Nigeria is going down and “looks as if there is no government in the country”.

Observing that Abuja has seemingly “lost the battle to terrorists”, Adams warned the insurgents against committing atrocities in the Southwest.

“We will never allow them to destroy our land. We urge the governors to hold an emergency security meeting with stakeholders”, he advised.

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The government gave the approval to enable individuals to carry a firearm for defence against terrorists.

There have been countless attacks in Zamfara in recent years, with hundreds killed, kidnapped or wounded.

In a statement on Monday, the Gbonka Aare-Onakakanfo, Gboyega Adejumo urged South-West governors to take a cue from Zamfara.

The Yoruba chiefs warned them to stop tolerating the activities of terrorists “masquerading as bandits and kidnappers, killing innocent people at will”.

They noted that Zamfara Governor, Bello Matawalle has “literally opened the eyes of other governors across the country”.

“Taking up arms in self defence is a global practice that should be encouraged, once it is backed by the law.”

“There’s nothing bad if citizens take up arms to defend themselves”, the statement read.

The council however lauded the Lagos government on the ban on commercial (Okada) riders in some parts of the state.

The chiefs urged South-West governors to ensure the South West Security Stakeholders Group (SSSG) and the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun) close ties to further secure the region.

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Other dignitaries expected at this year’s carnival are, the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade; Onpetu of Ijeru, Oba Sunday Oyediran Lagbami Osekun and Olugbon of Orile Igbon, and other traditional rulers.

Akinwale Akinwole, the Chief organizer, Ajilete Carnival, also informed that Otunba Olusegun Ogunwuyi, the Chief of Staff to the Oyo State Governor, is the Chief Host.

The Ogbomoso-born entrepreneur and Chairman, Ogbomoso United Football Club, added that apart from the cultural display, masquerade dance, the Fuji music exponent, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma; Abolore Akande popularly known as 9ice and many other local artists are billed to perform during the event.

Ogbomoso Ajilete Carnival Concept, in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday, stated that the event is scheduled for 26th December, 2021, at  Recreation Club along old Ogbomoso-Ilorin road.

Akinwole, in the statement explained that the change of venue from Ogbomoso Township Stadium to Recreation Club was to avoid distractions on the upgrading of the township stadium.

“To encourage more participation, we have added raffle draw and dancing competition to the event and winners will go home with a lot of prices and special gifts”, he explained.

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The three detained OPC members were released from the police custody at Iyaganku police station around 5.40pm.

Their release was sequel to the intervention of the Oyo State government and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams.

The three detained OPC members were released in the presence of State Coordinator of Oodua People’s Congress in Oyo State, Comrade Rotimi Oguntunde a.k.a. Olumo, Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ademola Akeem Ige and Opc Lawyer.

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The publisher of Sahara Reporters and convener, Global Coalition for Security and Democracy in Nigeria, was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) over a planned revolutionary protest which held in some states but was foiled by security agencies.

In a statement on Monday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Aderemi, Adams said the detention was an abuse of human right, stating that the planned revolutionary protest cannot be said to be treasonable since it was yet to be implemented as at the time Sowore was arrested.

Adams said it was unfortunate that Nigerians usually forget events and memories of the past, adding that Nigeria’s problems emanated from the military’s dictatorship which was against freedom of speech and expression.

He said: “Not everybody can have access to the presidency in Abuja. This is democracy, not militarism, where people are cowed and jailed over issues relating to their welfare.

“Sowore is an activist, and he was part of the struggle for this democracy. Therefore, he is entitled to express his feelings and that of Nigerians in a democratic setting.

“I think the federal government must consider his freedom as a panacea for peace. For instance, I wonder how a peaceful protest by armless citizens will now turn to a treasonable felony.

“It is unfortunate that many of the people at the corridors of power today were part of the protests against former president Goodluck Jonathan in 2015, but today the situation has changed.

“I am afraid they wanted to draw the nation backward to those years of the military, where peoples rights to freedom and other fundamental human rights were alien to the military

“Even in countries that have good institutions and good welfare policies, the citizens still organise peaceful protest and the government will surely listen to them

“As an activist and promoter of peace, I have engaged in various rallies and protests. On each occasions, we consulted widely, taking into considerations so many factors,including the rights of Nigerians to embark on protest, noting also that such rights should not translate to a violent or forceful protest

“Nigeria is a democratic republic, therefore, unlawful detention of a people can lead to further crisis and the Federal Government must try as much as it is possible to avoid this by listening to the cries of Nigerians.

“The Federal Government must free Sowore and formulate policy programmes that have direct impact on the mass of the people,” Adams concluded.

2019 presidency: Oshiomhole under fire for saying Buhari, Osinbajo were amazing on NTA live interview

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Adams, who doubles as the National Coordinator of the Odu’ua Peopes Congress (OPC), spoke in Akure on Saturday, at a reception organised for him by the Ondo State Government.

He said the Yoruba nation would continue the struggle for restructuring, because it is the only way forward in actualising the vision of an economically buoyant and a politically stable Nigeria.

“Without restructuring, how will Nigeria become an economic and political giant?” asked Adams. “From time immemorial, resistance to transformation is as legendary as the creation of the world.

“According to a Yoruba adage, the flood has the intention of destroying a house but the landlord will not allow it.”

“And there is no going back because that is the only way this country can survive,” he said.

“Nigeria is going through various crises today because some leaders are stubbornly against restructuring.”

“If this country is restructured in a way that every locality controls the instrumentality of security, the wanton killings of Nigerians will stop automatically,” he said.

“If this country is restructured economically, no finance commissioner will be going to Abuja every month to collect pittance in the name of monthly allocation.

“If this country is restructured equitably, the current revenue sharing formula in which the federal government collects 52.68 per cent of centrally-collected revenues in the Federation Account, leaving states and local governments with 26.72 per cent and 20.60 per cent will stop.

“If this country is restructured politically, responsible politicking, through independent candidature, will be introduced into our polity which will automatically knock out god fatherism from our politics.

“To have an egalitarian society, restructuring is the answer. We want Nigeria to survive as a nation. That is why we are agitating that Nigeria must be restructured and our political and economic powers must derive legitimacy from the people.”

Nigerian Chinedu Moghalu appointed Head, Communications & Advocacy for the Africa Risk Capacity / United Nations World Food Programme

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Date: Saturday January 13, 2018

Venue: Durbar Stadium, Oyo

Time: 11am

PROTOCOLS

Mo juba awon Aare Ona Kakanfo to siwaju mi:

1. Kokoro Gangan of Iwoye

2. Oyapote of Iwoye

3. Oyabi of Ajase

4. Adeta of Jabata

5. Oku of Jabata

6. Afonja of Ilorin

7. Toyeje of Ogbomoso

8. Edun of Gbogun

9. Amepo of Abemo

10. Kurumi of Ijaiye

11. Ojo Aburumaku of Ogbomoso (son of Toyeje of Ogbomosho)

12. Latoosa of Ibadan

13. Ladoke Akintola of Ogbomoso

14. M.K.O. Abiola of Abeokuta

There cannot be a more humbling occasion for me as the one we are in today.

Against the backdrop of the size of the office the Iku Baba Yeye, His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi III, has bestowed on me and the larger than life image of my predecessors, my installation as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo is a challenge that has made all past challenges seem like a child’s play.

Though I am just stepping into the office, past occupants of the seat, especially the 13th and 14th occupants – Aare Samuel Ladoke Akintola and Aare Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola – brought so much power and glamour to the office that it is obvious I have a lot of work to do. As astute businessmen and politicians of note, they raised the profile of the office.

There is no doubt from the reactions that followed my pronouncement by the Alaafin of Oyo as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo that the power and prestige of the office has not waned since it was created centuries ago by Alaafin Ajagbo.

In fact, the epoch-making event of today is symbolic as 2018 marks the 558th anniversary of the installation of the first Aare Ona Kakanfo – Kokoro Gangan of Iwoye.

It is of interest to note that the military, political, traditional and cultural symbolism of the title to the Yoruba Empire, about 600 years ago, is still of strategic importance in the 21st Century.

This attribute reveals the uniqueness of the Yoruba race and shows that so much is still expected of the occupant of the post, despite the fact that physical and armed wars are no longer the order of the day.

In fact, despite the fact that I am an holder of 52 traditional titles, none has drawn as much comments and commendation by way of letters and visits.

The import of the Office still stands: protection of the interests of Yoruba race, both within the country and everywhere else people of the race exist.

While it is estimated that there are 60 million Yoruba within Nigeria and about 200 million others scattered all over the world, as a starting point, the preservation of the culture of the race will occupy my attention.

Pitiably, as a race, we are gradually losing our culture. In fact, from my travels around the world, it has become obvious that people of other races are taking more interest in our culture than we the owners of the culture, with Americans, Europeans and Asians now earning Degrees in the study of our culture, beliefs and what they have come to term Doctrine. We need to preserve our culture to fully realize the potential of the Yoruba.

Though with an activist background, it is now clear that I have to do more as a bridge builder with this new responsibility.

In as much as the focus of my struggle has changed over the years from the heady days of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) to the spread of our culture through the formation of the Oodua Progressive Union (OPU), which is now in 79 countries, the Olokun Festival Foundation, Gani Adams Foundation and many others, this new responsibility, despite my age, has unwittingly forced the stature of a statesman on me.

I promise to live up to that calling.

In this regard, I will work with our traditional rulers, grassroots leaders and have good rapport with all stakeholders, no matter the differences of the past, for the unity, progress and advancement of Yorubaland and Nigeria.

The office of the Aare Ona Kakanfo will project the Yoruba culture and tradition by promoting and sustaining our identity globally.

The office will equally ensure unity of all Yoruba sons and daughters all over the world.

Also of strategic importance to me is research and documentary to sustain the ideals of our founding fathers.

To ensure the continuation of the leadership role the Yoruba is known for educationally, I will give scholarships to our sons and daughters because education is light and power.

Also, I will collaborate with security agencies and stakeholders to ensure that Yorubaland is effectively secured through our various organizations.

I want to assure this August gathering that given the fact that the Oodua Progressives Union (OPU), which I am also the Convener, is now established in 79 countries, I will use this Union and other pan-Yoruba groups abroad to invite our sons and daughters with exceptional abilities, who have distinguished themselves in various fields, to come home and help in our quest to ensuring that our country takes its rightful place in the comity of nations.

GRATITUDE

At this juncture, let me express my profound gratitude to all our revered traditional rulers who have been working tirelessly to unite our race. It is a long list that it will not be possible to mention all.

But let me use the following to pay tribute to our traditional rulers: the Alaafin of Oyo, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III who has deemed it fit to honour me with this prestigious title, the Ooni of Ife, Oonirisa Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II; Chairmen of Council of Obas and Chiefs and all traditional rulers in Yorubaland, and not forgetting my root, the Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko, Oba Yisa Olanipekun, and all traditional rulers in Akokoland; all the Obas who bestowed me with 52 titles, which invariably laid the foundation for my emergence as the Aare Ona Kakanfo.

CALL FOR UNITY

The journey has started from here. And my first appeal goes to Yoruba sons and daughters who are outside the shores of the country not to forget that there is no place like home. This was what informed the formation of the Oodua Progressives Union (OPU), Gani Adams Foundation and Olokun Festival Foundation. Please, see Yorubaland as the place to be. Don’t give the race a bad name. Come home to invest.

As the 15th Aare Ona Kakanafo, I consider myself lucky that there is no war at hand confronting the Yoruba race now. In other words, we are living in peace time. However, I am not pleased with the level of Yoruba unity today and I am very concerned. Therefore, my greatest priority is the unity of the Yoruba race at home and in the Diaspora.

I will, therefore, spare no effort in ensuring the unity of Yoruba race within the contemporary Nigeria body polity.

To take the journey further, I will, after this installation, launch the Aare Ona Kakanfo Foundation. This will further promote the culture of the people and document the history of the Aare Ona Kakanfo title.

Since we are now in the era of Information Technology, we will be unveiling historical documents obtained from the Iku Baba Yeye on the Aare Ona Kakanfo title to a website.

2018 makes it the 30th year that the last holder of the title, Aare M.K.O. Abiola, stood before you for his installation. He died on July 7, 1998 and the post was vacant for almost 20 years.

Same happened when the 13th holder of the title, Aare S.L. Akintola, died on January 15, 1966. It took more than 22 years before his successor took over. Why? There is the myth that holders of the title will always die a violent death. But, this is not so because many holders of the title lived to be more than 100 years.

So, apart from setting aside the myth and projecting the image of the office, documenting the Aare Ona Kakanfo title will also let people know that a child born of humble beginning like me can make it.

From the extreme North of Yorubaland, Arigidi-Akoko in Akoko North West Local Government the rural area of Ondo State, here I am emerging as the Aare Ona Kakanfo.

WAY FORWARD

My second appeal as the Aare Ona Kakanfo goes to the Federal Government to attend to some of the major roads in Yorubaland that are critical to its citizens. These include Lagos-Ibadan, Oyo-Ilorin, Lagos-Badagry, Sagamu-Benin, Badagry-Lusada-Sokoto, Ibadan-Iwo-Osogbo, Osogbo-Ilesa, Ilesa-Akure-Owo-Lokoja and Lagos-Abeokuta.

It will also be a major plus if the government, as promised by President Muhammadu Buhari in his January 1, 2018 speech, attends to rail transportation as fast as possible.

The issue of power is also critical. This will empower artisans more.

Security is equally important. All these would aid the development of the tourism potential of the country.

Several countries, such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Britain, Turkey, Singapore, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, Ghana, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia and Israel have diversified their economy to tourism.

I want to assure you that I will work with various stakeholders to turn our land into a viable tourist destination.

To our esteemed Governors in the South-West, I call for cooperation, no matter the party line. The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission should be empowered. And I want you all to see me as a partner in progress.

I offer myself for service once it is for the advancement of the Yoruba race. The various groups in the South-West should also resolve their crises.

I will also persuade seven of our elders, who are not partisan, to work with me in uniting all Yoruba and resolve differences wherever they may arise.

PROFOUND APPRECIATION

In closing, let me express my profound appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, for their support.

I want to thank our host Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, for his immense contribution towards the success of today’s event.

I also thank other governors for their support and contributions, financially and morally.

Let me thank all those who contributed to the success of this installation ceremony, especially members of the Planning Committee, the media and many others too numerous to mention.

I also want to thank my wife, Erelu Mojisola. She is a Pillar of Support and a Role Model for Women.

I want to assure all that as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo, I will use my position, God willing, to protect the interest of our land and our dear country Nigeria.

Mo ki gbogbo yin o

A dele bare o

Igba mi a tu ile Yoruba lara lágbara Olodumare, Amin.

Aare Ona Kakanfo Gani Adams

January 13, 2018.

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Amosun said the title was well deserved.

This was contained in a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chief Adedayo Adeneye, on Monday in Abeokuta.

The statement added that Adams being named the Generalissimo of Yorubaland should serve as a tonic for other Yoruba, who desired to uphold the core values of the race.

The statement reads, ”The pains Gani Adams suffered for the emancipation of the Yorubas, particularly in the struggles for the validation of the annulled June 12, 1993 Presidential election, presumed to have been won by our own late Chief MKO Abiola, is still fresh in our minds.

“He was in the vanguard, as a chieftain of the OPC, in the confrontation with the military, during the June 12 struggle, to reclaim the mandate given to our son, Chief Abiola, which earned him series of detentions by the authorities.”

The governor lauded Adams for his tireless promotion of Yoruba culture and tradition.

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The Ooni in reaction has released a statement dismissing the calls for his resignation.

Contained in a statement released and made available to the press by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Comrade Moses Olafare who described Gani Adams as an unapologetic loyalist of Ooni’risa said that  the veteran Yoruba Self-determinationist, Adams has invested so much of resources into the socio-cultural emancipation of Oodua race and can only be treated with a deserved reciprocation of love and respect as a patriotic Ooduan who has never hesitated to demonstrate love and respect to the sacred throne of Oduduwa.

The statement reads, “Baba Ooni never at anytime claimed to have ordered Otunba Gani Adams to resign as the Leader of the OPC. He sees him as an unapologetic loyalist son who has always treated him as his father with love and absolute respect.

“Otunba Adams is a great Ooduan and veteran Oodua Self-determinationist who has invested so much the socio-cultural emancipation of the Oodua race.

That is why we have always welcomed him as a member of the inner chamber of the Ooni’s Palace”.

Also, on the request by a factional group of OPC members on a visit to the Ooni at Ile-Ife recently begging him to intervene in the OPC matters, the  foremost king enjoined all the factions within the Pan-Yoruba group to close ranks and work together as one big family in the interest of unity and peace in Yorubaland.

“Baba said to them to close ranks in the interest of peace and unity of Yorubaland. He assured them of his fatherly support at all time as long as the unity of Yorubaland is not in jeopardy. Oba Ogunwusi, who is billed to tour Europe in May on the invitation of sons and daughters of Oodua is committed to the emancipation of the race. His unwavering and unflinching determination to unite all forces in Yoruba Kingdom both home and in diaspora is the driving force behind all these”. Olafare added.

In a related development, the statement further revealed the preparation of the palace which is said to be in the top gear in welcoming members of OPC, and Oodua Progressives Union (OPU) as well as the members of Olokun Festival Foundation to Ile-Ife for the annual Oodua Festival slated for January 25th and 26th in Ile-Ife.

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