Gani Adams advocates unity among Yoruba monarchs, traditionalists

The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Gani Adams, on Friday, called on the sons and daughters of Yoruba land, traditional rulers, and traditionalists to work together for the betterment of the race.

He made this call when the executive members of the International Council for Ifa Religion, led by its President, Fayemi Fakayode, visited him at his residence in Lagos.

A statement by the ICIR President in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, said the purpose of the visit was for the progress and peace of Yoruba land in particular and Nigeria in general.

It read, “Our visit is basically to advocate cooperation and unity of Yoruba leaders, especially traditional rulers, for peace and development of our people.

“We salute your doggedness and resolute stand to work for Yoruba’s progress, and you shall continue to be a point of connection for future Yoruba’s history.”

He, however, advised all practitioners of Ifá throughout the world to cooperate with the members of the executive and unite, as according to him, only unity brings progress and development. He further called on all Yorubas and rulers to work for the development of the land.

“I call on all Yoruba throughout the world to work together for peace, harmony, and security of Yoruba land.

“This appeal goes also to the Obas in Yoruba land to work together for development and security of Yoruba land, and they should as well promote the cultural heritage of the land whose custodians they are,” he said.

He said further that the promotion of heritage automatically leads to the promotion of the economies of many countries in the world, which he enjoined traditional rulers and Isese adherents to emulate.

PUNCH Online reports that in recent times, some Yoruba monarchs and traditionalists have found themselves at odds, particularly over the religious debates between traditional worshippers and those practising Islam or Christianity.

This has led to rising tensions, as differing religious beliefs clash in the face of modernity.

A notable example of this conflict is the Osun State monarch, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, who has been vocal in his opposition to deity worship.