Are Ona Kakanfo: The Message Beyond Paradigm Shift
Francis Abayomi
For months, it sounded like a humorous challenge difficult to contemplate. However, the possibility of it becoming a reality soon developed into a momentum of believability. The eventual announcement of Otunba Gani Adam; erstwhile stormy petrel of once dreaded Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) as the 15th Are Ona Kakanfo designate by His Imperial Majesty Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi should serve as a huge lesson in history. While the appointment is the prerogative of the Alaafin, there is no denying that the choice of anyone so appointed to such an exalted position would elicit controversies as presently the case. More so, the new Are Ona Kakanfo ordinarily does not command the clout of the last two occupants of the coveted position. Chief Ladoke Akintola and Chief MKO Abiola wielded enormous political influence prior to their appointments as the 13th and 14th Are Ona Kakanfo respectively.
Indeed, it should be instructive that the beatification of an ex-outlaw of the Nigerian state appears to be sending a strong message which not a few would continue to find comfortable to process or be compelled to live with. It must be conceded that going by the recent history of generalissimos in Yorubaland, critics of the choice of Otunba Gani Adams could well be relying on perception rather than reality. In other words, those piqued by the choice of Gani Adams should be excused for confusing aesthetics of political stature with the essentials doggedness required of a fitting generalissimo. But it reeks of ignorance and lack of grasps with history to conjecture that because Gani Adams rose to fame on account of what has been derided as peasantry struggle, the status of Are Ona Kakanfo has been demeaned by any standard. For the new Are Ona Kakanfo therefore, it is not about the ordinariness or otherwise of his ‘political swag’. Essentially, it is about his ‘street credibility’. Indeed, more than anything else, a generalissimo that fits the mood of Yoruba nation at this time should not be in the mould of a white collar elite who cannot readily connect with the people in stout defence of interests that bother on cultural and territorial heritage.
Before exploring the lessons and the message portends by the appointment of the new Are Ona Kakanfo, it is important to reiterate that, there couldn’t have been a better choice if the historical essence and exploits of foremost warriors who have imbued the title with reverence are taken into serious account. For the consideration of age, Dr, Fredrick Fasheun, the founder of OPC should have been another worthwhile contender. That said, beyond the personality of Gani Adams, the elevation of Gani Adams is therefore in recognition of the roles played by the leadership of self determination groups in weathering the storms occasioned by the reality of defending the interests of his people; instructively in continuation of the response to the injustices which the annulment of 1993 presidential election demonstrated. The paradigm shift in the appointment of the new Are Ona Kakanfo is therefore a fitting tribute to the unsung martyrs described by Professor Omotoye Olorode as “awon omo oju ina”; cadres who defied the fire-spitting barricades of the oppressors with the sacrifices of their blood and breathe. Those who are at a loss with the choice of Gani Adams therefore deliberately chose to ignore the trajectories of political development in Nigeria since the crisis that followed the callous annulment of Nigeria’s fairest and freest presidential election held on June 12 1993.
To be sure, the position of Are Ona Kakanfo is essentially about the defence of territorial and cultural heritage o and therefore the choice of who occupies the position could not be dictated by perception of political correctness of the larger Nigerian society. Therefore, the qualms about the choice of the new supreme commander of the warriors of Yoruba nation is not really about misplaced attention on the character or personality of Gani Adams but a patent demonstration of ignorance regarding the contemporary dynamics that calls for a paradigm shift. It could not have been fortuitous that the new Are Ona Kakanfo got enlisted as a warrior in the wake of the struggle to reclaim the mandate of June 12 Presidential election won by his predecessor; Chief MKO Abiola who eventually died in solitary confinement. That Gani Adams rose from that pedestal to succeed Chief MKO Abiola should be instructive enough about how fate could define the journey of a man regardless of whatever is perceived to be his inadequacies.
It could only be amusing that laborious arguments are been proffered to suggest a denigration of as well as deodorisation of the position of Are Ona Kakanfo by those who cannot fathom the relevance for it in modern day Nigeria and particularly why the paradigm shift is spot on. Those who indulge in the argument that the place of Are Ona Kakanfo is no longer relevant and ought not to be accorded much attention are free to so wish. But, it is important to insist that at no time in modern Nigerian history has the place of a generalissimo for Yoruba land becomes relevant as now. This is not just about sub-national solidarity; it is about redefining the essence of a race within the context of the collective mission and destiny that confront a people.
The outpouring of endorsement by leading opinion leaders and platforms for the selection of the new Are Ona Kakanfo tends to suggest that a new era which will usher in greater understanding and cooperation may have finally berthed in Yoruba land. Pray it is so indeed, but it should be instructive to note that nothing appears in the true hue in an unusual era like this when the dice of national politics seemed to have placed every permutation in a quandary. Notwithstanding, more striking is that the mood so far also tends to validate, to a large, aphorism which cautions to the effect that unease lies the shoulder vested with enormous responsibility.
Beyond the aura elevation, it should be reckoned that providence has placed a unique historical responsibility upon the shoulder of Are Ona Kakanfo Gani Adams. More than anyone else in his generation, he has been positioned as a rallying point between the elite and the masses in Yotuba land. He is now strategically placed to influence a new era propelled by collective vision of a people across divergent platforms working together from across the divides. This is precisely because the place of a modern day Are Ona Kakanfo should be understood from the standpoint of a different kind of battle away from the theatres of conquest. While the new Are Ona Kakanfo may not necessarily be leading an army to war so to speak, he would however definitely be relevant as one of the leading figures to be relied upon at crucial moments as well as at critical junctures. There is therefore no doubt that new role calls for greater wisdom and trepidation on the part of the new Are Ona Kakanfo if he must measure up to expectations; considering the very sensitive and robust politics of the Yorubas.
There is no doubt that Gani Adams judging by his record of active engagement with cultural and political interests of Yoruba people can rise to the occasion demanded by his new elevation. Even if we disagree with some of the methodologies deployed by Gani Adams, we cannot, in good conscience, deny that he has faithfully pursed the mission of projecting Yoruba heritage globally. Fortunately, it could be emphasised without fear of contradictions that if size of followership really counts in determining the stamina of a leader, the new Are Ona Kakanfo is a sure force to be reckoned with. Without any iota of flattering, Gani Adam’s has demonstrated convicting capacities in organising, mobilising and connecting with stakeholders across the nooks and crannies of Yoruba land.
It is without contradiction that Gani Adams has contributed tremendously in raising consciousness about agitation for self-determination through the activities of Oodua Peoples Congress which he alongside with other leaders have built into a broad-based; mass organisation not without very difficult and disturbing challenges though. The tenacity he has displayed in projecting Yoruba culture within and outside Nigeria clearly attests to a pedigree requires of a generalissimo in the mould of an effectual Are Ona Kakanfo. Notwithstanding however, how well the new Are Ona Kakanfo is prepared to invest his new role with relevance worthy of the trust and respect of all constituencies, platforms and interests across the length and breadth of Yoruba land remains to be seen. The new Are Ona Kakanfo can by his leadership convince those who have expressed doubts about his selection or further validate their resentment.
But whatever the case, only time will reveal how readily the new Are Ona Kakanfo appreciate he by providence chosen to be a massager rather than pretending to be the message which could only be dictated by events as they unfold in time? In the light of prevailing circumstances, it is conceded that misplacing this generational call to duty that calls for enviable leadership beyond the lure of relevance-seeking; pecuniary politics is not very unlikely. Indeed, the propensity is huge for the new Are Ona Kakanfo to soon abandon the cause that remains the raison d’état of the very constituencies from where he emerged as a force with large army of foot soldiers. But when and if that happens, the damp will not only be on the life-time holder of the prime title; the institution of Are Ona Kakanfo in Yoruba history also stands the risk of losing its glamour and relevance in the consciousness of a most intemperate generation that is to come sooner. In that case, those who maintain the recent debates, in the wake of the paradigm shift, about relevance of Are Ona Kakanfo amount to much ado about nothing would have been eternally vindicated.
The future thus presents interesting paths for the new Are Ona Kakanfo who seems to be determined to push ahead with zeal and candour. What is however important is that the reality presents by the message even if predicated on events in the time ahead should not be lost. In the final analysis, what the future holds for the new Are Ona Kakanfo is clearly beyond prevailing dynamics. We can only wish Are Ona Kakanfo Gani Adams the very best as he strides on. And may he enjoy long life in the saddle of this enviable but highly challenging position!