The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has declared his support and that of Lagos State for the emergence of Otunba Gani Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.
Ambode declared his position on Tuesday when Adams, who is the National Coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress and Founder of the Oodua Progressive Union, paid him a courtesy call.
Ambode said he was delighted when the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, announced Adams as the Aare Ona Kakanfo.
He said: “Let me say that you have our support for your installation and beyond.
“We will work with you for the unity of Yorubaland and Nigeria in general.”
Speaking earlier, Adams told Ambode he was at the Lagos House to formally introduce himself as the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate and invite him to his installation, which will take place on Saturday at Durbar Stadium in Oyo town, Oyo State.
He also told Ambode that the time had come for all Yoruba sons and daughters to jettison those issues that divided them in the past and unite for the progress of the race.
He said: “Whatever happened in the past, we should put behind us and move ahead as one.
“Without unity, we cannot progress.
“We need ourselves moving forward.”
Otunba Adams equally praised Ambode for the developmental projects he had embarked upon since his assumption of office over two years ago.
Among them are the lighting up of Lagos and the befitting statute for late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, which he said is not only historical but a way of encouraging youths to imbibe the virtues of the former leader of the Western Region.
He equally urged Ambode to champion the promotion of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria Commission and the ideals of the Oodua Group of Companies.
He also emphasised the need for the promotion of the culture of the South West, saying this was why he championed the Olokun Festival, adding that this will promote tourism and drive the economy of the region.
Adams said Lagos retains its pride of place in the South West and as such must continue to play leadership roles in the several challenges facing the region.
