Aare Ona Kankanfo is not a ceremonial title - Ladigbolu

The title of the Aare Ona Kankanfo has been described as a functional position to give leadership clear vision on how to project and protect Yoruba uniqueness among the people of the world.

Aare Ona will work closely with all well wishers of Yoruba nation in ensuring the safety of our territory, ensuring that those things value are not being taken away.

The chairman of the15th Aare Ona installation comitee, Ayo Ladigbolu said this during a press briefing held at the state sectariaat yesterday in Ibadan.

Ladigbolu who is also an Arch Bishop in one of the autodous church disclosed that "We have been preparing for the event since October and the proclamation was issued from the palace in Oyo, the installation for the 15th Aare Ona who by the grace of God is Otunba Gani Adams is known and accepted globally for the leadership role with the permission of Alafin Of Oyo".

Going by the history of the title, Ladigbolu stressed that Alafin who resigned about 16years ago established the title " There is need go back and relate the fact that Oyo empire is the only empire in the part of the world in 16th century that has an outstanding army, subsequent Alafin were able to established such outstanding army, this is why the title is not a ceremonial one but s functional title.

On his part, Commissioner for Chieftaincy in Oyo state, Bimbo Kolade said" The title of the Aare Ona is something that happens almost every 30 years, as we can relate that Gani Adams is succeeding Late Moshood Abiola who had died about 20years ago".

The commissioner who disclosed that the installation is totally the responsibility of the traditional ruler Alafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi said Oyo state has been the headquarters of the Yoruba politically and culturally.

He said the state government under the leadership of Senator Abiola Ajimobi is acting as the host withing the Yoruba speaking state..