By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams said the next line of action for the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade will be to harmonise all warring faction leading to his emergence.
Adams who said although, it was not in his purview to be involved in the selection process of an Alaafin said, every warning factions must sheath their sword and never consider the option of litigation, saying such may take longer than anyone could imagine.
The Aareonakakanfo spoke while speaking with journalists when he led members of his Council of Chiefs to the coronation ceremony of Oba Owoade at Olivet Baptist Heights School, Oyo on Saturday.
Speaking, the Yoruba Generalissimo appeal to every aggrieved persons, especially contenders for the Alaafin stool so that the whole Oyo town will make meaningful progress during the reign of Oba Owoade.
Adams who said the calibre of dignitaries and personalities at the event shows the peculiarities and historic nature of the installation of a new Alaafin of Oyo.
He said, “This event is historic in Nigeria today. The installation of an Alaafin is like you are installing a monarch of an empire. One of the most important monarch in Yorubaland. So, what we are doing here is highly unique and historical. It is a very good reference for our younger generations.
“You can see the show of how much we cherish our tradition. That will show you the status of the event. And you can see the enthusiasm of the people, even dignitaries, for them to be part of the history.
“As the generalissimo, I’m part of Alaafin’s cabinet, I have no option. In as much as the governor has approved him as the new Alaafin, I have no option, if I don’t want to be in the bad history of Yoruba land. I was not part and parcel of the selection process because it is not part of the role of Aareonakakanfo.
“My own is to defend, secure, protect the culture and tradition of Yoruba race. I have to look for the unity and progress od Yoruba race. So, during the time of selection, I was neutral. Immediately the governor approved the choice of Owoade, I have no choice, I have to work with him. And when I met him as Alaafin designate, I saw in him a pleasant, humble Oba and I saw the charisma on him.
“He listens well before responding to any question. He is an Oba that listen to advise of the good mind of people.”
On advice for others Oyomesi on unity, the generalissimo said, “We will work on that, after this coronation, that will be the next line of action because we want unity. We don’t want the base of Alaafin to be the base of rancor and we don’t want a situation that if he continue to fight those he contested with, after he has emerged, after this coronation, that will be the next agenda of the new Alaafin because not everyone who goes to the war wins, not everyone who plays football wins.
“We will appeal to those we can appeal to, and litigation on issues like this can take many years and what happens afterwards. Why will you waste your time for about 30years on a stool that even those who want to contest it might have lost their lives in the process? So, the best thing for us is to resolve it and let’s move on.
