By Gbenga Olarinoye

Osogbo — National Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, Otunba Gani Adams has added another feather to his cap when the paramount ruler of Osogbo Land, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, Larooye I, conferred on him the chieftaincy title as the ‘Agba Akin’ of Osogboland during this year’s Osun Osogbo festival.

The ceremony which took place at the monarch’s palace last week was performed with pomp and pageantry as dignitaries from all walks of life includng  prominent sons and daughters of the historic town of Osogbo were on hand to add glamour to the occasion.

Not left behind are members of the OPC from home and abroad who came to honour this Yoruba cultural ambassador.

•Adams

Speaking shortly after being pronounced as ‘Agba Akin’ by the monarch amid thunderous ovation, Adams charged the African traditional rulers to wake up from slumber in propagating the rich cultural heritage, values and traditions of the black race.

Adams said for Africans to succeed and maintain their rightful position in the world, premium must be placed on their distinct values, customs and traditions that distinguished them from other races in the world.

The OPC boss, gave the charge Thursday evening at the Ataoja’s palace in Osogbo while being conferred as ‘Agba Akin’ of Osogboland by the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun.

Adams, who described Africans as the most blessed race in the world, said unless efforts are geared towards harnessing the continent’s socio-economic and cultural endowments, her position would be difficult to identify and reckon with in the world.

The OPC National Coordinator who called on the traditional rulers and other custodians of African cultures and traditions to buckle up at the defence of the continent’s enriched God-given potentials, said no effort must be spared at raising the bar of African traditional endowments for the betterment of all.

He bemoaned  the way and manner at which some people desecrate traditional institutions, noting that “unless we value our endowments and place them high up, it would not be valued by others”.

The new Agba Akin of Osogboland said it behoves on every black-man to see his culture and tradition as sacred that shouldn’t be allowed to neither desecrate or fade off by worldly frivolity.

The OPC boss who described the ancient town of Osogbo as one of the most oriented community in Africa, said the town has made a landmark in the history that conjoined Africans as a race.

Speaking on the hardship posed by economic recession being experienced by Nigerians, Adams threw his weight behind the restructuring of Nigeria, saying the move remains the best alternative for genuine development.

The OPC National Coordinator who advocated for immediate restructuring of Nigeria along regional lines to enhance the development of the country and rescue her from imminent crash, therefore suggested the adoption of mutual understanding and compromise to make Nigeria workable.

Adams who assured Yoruba of adequate quality, and efficient representation as being demonstrated by the organisation in its effort to provide security, said OPC in collaboration with other security agencies had performed superbly well to flush the dreaded Badoo cultist group out of Lagos.

Earlier, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Adetunji Olanipekun said decision to confer such revered chieftaincy title on Adams was in recognition of his tremendous contributions to the growth and development of Osogbo, Yorubaland, Nigeria and Africa.

Ataoja who described Adams as a symbol of Yoruba and African culture, said his position as the leader of OPC has been used to leverage goodies for Africans particularly Yorubas.

“We don’t just confer titles on people if such beneficiaries cannot justify such titles. As par Gani Adams, he is eminently qualified for it that is why we deemed it fit to bestow on him, the “Agba Akin” of Osogboland.

“To us, this title is historic and valued in Osogbo and Yoruba nation and we believe strongly that it will not only encourage him to do more in impacting on the lives of the people positively but also help to strengthen our cultural heritage as his new title is a round peg in a round hole”, Ataoja stated.