Chief Ayo Ladigbolu, the Chairman, Aare Ona Kakanfo Installation Central Planning Committee says the Aare Ona Kakanfo is expected to promote Yoruba unity and cultural values.

He made this known in Ibadan on Thursday at a news briefing to herald the installation of Chief Gani Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi had on Oct. 15, 2017 proclaimed Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land.

He said that the title was also expected to protect the Yoruba nation from incursion and to guide its value from erosion or extinction.

“Aare Ona Kakanfo today must believe in the cause of the Yoruba and must be loyal to the Alaafin as well as all Yoruba Obas.

“The position has changed from that of a warrior to one of leadership since the reign of the late Premier of Western region, Ladoke Akintola.

“The Aare Ona Kakanfo position is a functional title and not ceremonial. The occupant is expected to protect Yoruba nation from incursion and values from erosion or extinction,’’ he said.

He described as a fallacy, the mystical belief by many that occupants of the position do not live long and die mysteriously.

Ladigbolu said that the position was sought by many prominent Yoruba sons but Alaafin, reserved the power to appoint the occupant picked Adams.

“The choice of Adams was acceptable to the world. The position is not for the highest bidder.

“It is one that comes with sound might and spiritual profundity reserved only for a person of substance who has fought for the interest of Yoruba race,’’ he said.

He said that the title was established in the 16th century by the then Alaafin Ajagbo, who appointed his war friend to direct the standing Oyo Army.

Ladigbolu said that Adams would be secluded on Friday morning after which he would return to the Alaafin’s palace at  4p.m. to undergo three stages of induction.

Mr Bimbo Kolade, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters said the installation was an opportunity to celebrate the culture and values of Yoruba race.

Kolade, who is the chairman of the State Installation Committee, described the title as a unified one across the Yoruba race.

Prince Femi Davies, representative of Aare Ona Kakanfo said that efforts were on top gear to host a befitting installation ceremony starting from Friday.

Davies said that there would be cultural display at the Atiba Hall on Friday and a musical jamboree at Methodist Primary School, Oyo town.

NAN reports that Adams will on Saturday become the new Aare Ona Kakanfo, 20 years after the demise of the last occupant, late Chief MKO Abiola, who died on July 7, 1998.

Adams, who is presently in seclusion, will be installed on Saturday in the ancient town of Oyo where no fewer than 10,000 dignitaries across the globe are expected.

NAN reports that the conference will be attended by High Chief Akinade Yusuf, Bashorun of Oyo, High Chief Asimiyu Atanda, Agbaakin of Oyo and High Chief Rasheed Adewale, Alapini of Oyo.

Others are Mr Toye Arulogun, Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Ismaila Oluranmisi, Ondo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism and Mr Bisi Odewunmi, Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Matters from Osun State.