Alaafin Of Oyo Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III on Saturday said the Aare Ona Kakanfo designate Otunba Gani Adams is the symbol of Yoruba Unity.
Alafin while speaking during a thank you visit of Otunba Adams to the palace said he has received over 500 letters and messages applauding him for choosing Otunba Adams for the position.
“The appointment of his predecessor Bashorun MKO Abiola was greeted with criticism and stiff opposition but Gani Adams choice was accepted by everybody both at home and abroad.
“It is a sign that he is a symbol of Yoruba unity, he must work to ensure unity and progress of the race.
“I have done my own and obviously it was overwhelmingly supported by people and I want to urge you not to leave him alone but continue to advise and pray for him”.
Aare Adams, while briefing Alaafin on the steps taken since his appointment, said he has visited prominent traditional rulers including Ooni of Ife,Oluwo of Iwo,Owa of Ijeshaland,Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Timi of Ede,Alake of Egbaland and others and they are pleased with Alaafin’s choice.
“All the traditional rulers told me that your choice is their choice and they are happy with the development, they advised me and pledged their continuous supports,” he said.
He, however, thanked the foremost monarch for considering him worthy to be the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland and promised not to betray the confidence reposed in him by the race.
Also market women from Ondo North Senatorial District under the aegis of Ondo Traders and Market Women Association also joined Aare Ona Kakanfo to thank Alaafin for considering their Baba Isale and son of the soil for the title.
The representatives of the market women led by its president, Chief Mrs Margaret Giwa said, “We are indeed very grateful to your imperial majesty for honouring our pride with the title and we pray for long live and good health for you sir.”
Some of the dignitaries in the entourage of the Aare Ona Kakanfo included a member of the Oyo state House of Assembly, Hon Ademola Ige, Gbobaniyi of Arigidi Akoko, Chief Femi Davies, Akogun Gani Kayode Balogun, Erelu Asa of Yorubaland, Prince Femi Odulaja,Erelu Funmi Rotiba Balogun, Comrade Wale Ojo Lanre,popular broadcaster,Dr Yemi Sonde,members of Oodua People’s Congress national coordinating council, among others.