The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, on Sunday declared Gani Adams, National Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), as the 16th Are Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.
Late MKO Abiola, who died in 1998 was the last holder of the prestigious Yoruba traditional title. Before the late businessman turned politician, Late Samuel Ladoke Akintola, was the Are Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.
Since the demise of MKO Abiola in 1998, the position of the head of Yoruba warlord had been vacant until Sunday when a letter of appointment was given to the OPC leader by Oba Adeyemi.
Personal Assistant to Otunba Adams, Mr. Segun Akanni, confirmed this on Sunday, saying we just received the appointment letter this evening.
Also, the OPC leader in a telephone chat said he was happy to be honoured with the prestigious Yoruba traditional title.
It became obvious at the weekend, during activities lined up to mark the 79th birthday the foremost Yoruba traditional ruler, that Oba Adeyemi had made up his mind to bestow Otunba Adams with the traditional title.
On Saturday, Oba Adeyemi was overheard referring to the OPC leader as the new Are Ona Kakanfo of Yorubsland at an event which took place at the historic Atiba Hall, Oja Akesan, Oyo.
Particularly, the foremost Yoruba traditional ruler was seen pointing to Otunba Adams as the new Are, while welcoming Chief Abiola Ogundokun to the event.