By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams has urged Yoruba people all over the world to ensure the promotion and preservation of their culture.
The Yoruba generalissimo, who described culture and tradition as the true identity of a race, said the Yoruba race has very rich culture and tradtion that should be preserved for generations yet unborn.
Iba Adams spoke at the maiden edition of Aareonakakanfo festival, which held at the playing ground of Ifo Local Government Area, Ogun state.
Addressing the large crowd of enthusiastic members of of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) who trooped out to witness the epoch-making event, Iba Adams praised the members of the OPC in Ifo LGA for organising the festival.
He promised that the festival will be integrated into the festival calendar of the Olokun Foundation, starting from 2025.
Expressing his gratitude, Iba Adams said the history of Aareonakakanfo in the defence and preservation of Yoruba race is as rich as the people.
According to him, all the Aareonakakanfo had at one time or the other stood and fought for the unity and preservation of Yoruba people as a race.
Adams said, “The Aareonakakanfo is a unique traditional title in Yorubaland. Their role is to protect and preserve the integrity and unity of the Yoruba race. That is why, if you look at history of Yorubaland, all the Aareonkakanfo fought bitterly to ensure that no part of Yoruba land is taken over by foreigners.”
Also speaking, Olorile of Orile Ifo, Oba Abdul Semiu Ogunjobi, thanked Iba Adams for approving his domain as host of the highly important festival. While promising his support for the success of the festival, Oba Ogunjobi eagerness to witness a bigger and more successful festival in 2025.
Other dignitaries at the festival include the Olu of Ibogun Balogun Ifo, Oba Adeshina Faluade Anikinnikun, Olu of Ijoko Lemode, Oba Solomon Sokunbi among others.
