Stop the word games, restructuring and true federalism are one- Adams

The Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams, Saturday reasserted his support for restructuring, stating that some people were just unnecessarily muddying the waters in attempting to establish a distinction between the concept and true federalism.

The National Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC) made this position known to newsmen in Lagos.

He said, “I totally support either restructuring or true federalism because it would ensure equity and fairness for all Nigerians.

“We will continue to agitate for a more prosperous Nigeria”.

On circulating comments by people that holders of the Aare Ona Kakanfo title do no live long, Adams dismissed the comments as untrue, noting that some have held the title and lived long.

He said, “Let me say that death belongs to God. Only God can decide and determine when anyone can die and until God decides, I will not die young as the defender of my people.

Read also: 12 southern govs to meet to brainstorm on fiscal federalism, devolution of powers

“Aare title is highly spiritual and I have handed over my destiny and tenure to God”.

Adams also spoke on the new role of the title holder which contrasts the practice of the past.

“The position in the past meant that you have to continually fight wars to protect your people, and may be killed in the process, but that was before Nigeria became a sovereign nation.

“The job in the modern era is limited in terms of physical defence because there are security apparatus to settle disputes.

“However, it has become a position to unify the Yoruba race, defend their interest and believe in their cause”, he said.

On speculations that he would dump the OPC to face his new responsibilities, he said, “The OPC is my sweat. I will delegate some powers to some members to continue to run it while I oversee it.

“The OPC gave birth to the Oodua Progressive Union which I have established in 78 countries to cater for the interest of Yoruba people in Diaspora.

“I will continue to have a stake not only in the OPC but in all groups in Yorubaland.

“I intend to use my position to unify and strengthen all factionalised pressure and cultural groups in Yoruba land”.

He however added that he would not stop serving his people regardless of his elevated status, while also dismissing suggestions that the title was too lofty for a man like him.

“I have managed millions of people in Yorubaland.

“I began to fight for my people at a tender age of 29 years since 1999.

“I have never been in government. I have always fought for the Yorubas.

“I know the terrain of all Yoruba people and their culture. I only ask God for wisdom to unify my people more and see that there is unity, justice and fairness for and among my people.

“This title is a reward from my people on the basis of honour and not salary”, Adams said.

Adams will become the 15th Aare Ona Kankanfo of Yorubaland when installed.

 

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