IBRAHIM QUADRI.
The Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba Land, Iba Gani Adams has revealed his intention to constitute 21-member Aare-in-Council on Saturday 12th January, 2018.
Aare Adams made the disclosure during the 1st anniversary/Book Launch titled, ‘Voice of Media, Voice of People’ at Banquet Hall, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
The programme was organized in partnership with the Office of Aare Onakakanfo with Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos Chapter.
While thanking the Lagos NUJ Chairman, Dr. Qazeem Akinreti for coming up with the noble idea, Adams stated that “Today’s event is important because it is to preserve the position of Yorubas.”
He added that on Saturday 12th January Aare-in-Council would be constituted as part of activities lined for the anniversary, saying it is geared towards “promoting the traditions of our fatherland.”
While making justification for the creation of Aare-in-Council, Adams recalled that the first Aare in Yoruba Land constituted the Council.
He however explained that the 13th Aare, Chief Ladoke Akintola and the 14th, Chief Moshood Abiola could not do the same due to the political exigencies of their times.
He explained that “promoting our culture is very important. If you are inferior of your identity, there is no way you can liberate yourself.”
Adams also called on political leaders in Nigeria to take the issue of restructuring very seriously.
“The only way out is restructuring. Whether it is done today or tomorrow, restructuring must be done,” he declared.
In his remark, Akinreti explained that the partnership with Aare was borne out of the determination to preserve the culture of Yoruba Land.
“We want the next generation to recognize our culture; to give respect to elders and respect for honour.
“We implore all of us who have love for the progress of Yoruba Land to have the book in our homes,” Akinreti stated.
The guest lecturer, Mogaji Gboyega Dejumo explained that the Yorubas
have always practised democracy before the advent of the Portuguese in 1642, which according to him, the book delved on.
Dejumo also explained that the domain of Aare begins from Kogi State up to Lagos State where he can appoint any chiefs.
He encouraged the need to study history, saying “if they don’t give it to us, that doesn’t mean we can’t dig it up.”
