It is important to state clearly that the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, is not a coward. A coward cannot occupy the revered and historic position of Aare Ona Kakanfo, which has always symbolized courage, sacrifice, leadership, and commitment to the defence of the Yoruba people.
Unfortunately, many people have misunderstood Iba Gani Adams, either because of hatred, misinformation, or ignorance. Rather than making efforts to understand his constitutional responsibilities and limitations, they choose to criticize and insult him without proper knowledge of the facts.
It is ironic when individuals who claim to be courageous question why Iba Gani Adams has not entered the forests to confront terrorists. The simple question is: Why have those critics not gone into the forests themselves? Why are they constantly looking to Gani Adams alone?
There are several recognized security organizations available for anyone genuinely interested in protecting their communities. Amotekun Corps has been recruiting personnel. There are various registered hunters' associations, Agbekoya, the Oodua People's Congress (OPC), and even Iru Ekun, the security outfit recently formed by Sunday Adeyemo (Sunday Igboho). Many of those criticizing Gani Adams have chosen not to join any of these organizations, yet they continue to attack him publicly.
Their argument is that Gani Adams is the Aare Ona Kakanfo and the Generalissimo of Yorubaland. That is true. However, can he legally mobilize armed operations against terrorists without the approval of the appropriate government authorities? If such an operation resulted in legal complications or constitutional issues, who would bear the responsibility?
Nigeria is operating under a democratic constitutional system, not under the traditional political structure of ancient Yoruba kingdoms where kings or military commanders could independently declare military actions. Today, everyone including the Aare Ona Kakanfo is subject to the Constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
A practical example is the Igangan incident, where members of the OPC entered the forest, apprehended the notorious Fulani leader Wakili and several others alleged to have terrorized communities in Oke-Ogun, and handed them over to the police. Ironically, those OPC members themselves were arrested, detained in police custody, and later remanded in correctional facilities for over four months. Where were those who are now insulting Gani Adams? Why did they not raise their voices for the release of those OPC members who sacrificed their freedom while defending their communities?
More importantly, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams formally wrote to all the governors of the South-West states, including the governors of Kogi and Kwara States, requesting official approval and cooperation to mobilize local security groups into the forests to flush out terrorists and bandits. More than one year has passed, yet none of the governors has officially responded to that request.
Despite this, some people still expect the Aare Ona Kakanfo to independently embark on military operations without the consent of the governors, who are constitutionally recognized as the Chief Security Officers of their respective states. Such expectations ignore both legal realities and constitutional procedures.
Many of those making the loudest accusations have little understanding of national security or the complexities involved in combating terrorism. Rather than directing their energy toward criticizing Iba Gani Adams, they should demand greater cooperation and support from their elected governors so that all legitimate local security organizations can work together effectively.
It is equally important to clarify that Iba Gani Adams is not fighting Sunday Adeyemo (Sunday Igboho). The perceived conflict has largely been created and amplified by supporters and bloggers who continuously attempt to pitch both leaders against each other.
One concern, however, is that Sunday Igboho has not publicly and consistently condemned those bloggers and supporters who insult the Aare Ona Kakanfo. If Sunday truly has no involvement in those attacks, then it would strengthen unity if he publicly cautioned those individuals to stop insulting the Aare and discouraged anyone from speaking on his behalf in ways that promote division among Yoruba patriots.
No responsible members of the OPC, OPU, Yoruba One Voice, or other affiliated organizations can reasonably be expected to remain silent while their leader, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, is repeatedly insulted. Respect for leadership remains an important Yoruba cultural value. As our elders say, "Aare Ona Kakanfo kì í ṣe ẹni àrìnfìn."
Sunday Adeyemo has undoubtedly made significant efforts in confronting insecurity, and those efforts deserve recognition. However, no individual can solve the security challenges facing the South-West alone. Success requires cooperation among all legitimate local security organizations, including Amotekun, OPC, Agbekoya, hunters' associations, vigilante groups, and other recognized security stakeholders.
It should also be remembered that Agbekoya and several local security groups contributed immensely to the popularity and success of earlier security collaborations against criminal elements. Rather than creating unnecessary divisions, all Yoruba security organizations should work together under a common objective of protecting lives and property.
Furthermore, the South-West Security Meeting, initiated under the leadership of the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, was established to promote cooperation among indigenous security organizations in addressing insecurity across the region. Iru Ekun should equally be understood as a registered security organization, not a militant movement or an unlawful armed group.
Finally, I appeal to everyone who has been insulting or attacking the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland to desist from such actions. Instead of directing criticism at him, let us call upon our governors to provide the necessary legal backing, collaboration, and support for all legitimate local security organizations under the coordination of the Aare Ona Kakanfo and other relevant stakeholders.
Only through unity, lawful cooperation, mutual respect, and collective responsibility can we effectively confront terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and all forms of insecurity threatening the peace and development of Yorubaland.
Prince Amb. (Dr.) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla
Akinjagunla Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland
Security Expert | Real Estate Investor | Graduate Surveyor
Nis, PSU, DIL, ND, B.Sc., B.Tech., M.Sc.
