The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Gani Adams, has urged Yoruba leaders, traditional rulers, and practitioners of Ifá religion to unite for the advancement of the Yoruba people and cultural heritage.
Adams made this appeal on Friday during a visit by the executive members of the International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR), led by its President, Fayemi Fakayode, to his Lagos residence.
In a statement released by the ICIR President in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the visit was described as a collaborative effort for the peace and development of Yoruba land and Nigeria at large.
“Our visit is basically to advocate cooperation and unity of Yoruba leaders, especially traditional rulers, for the peace and development of our people,” Fakayode stated.
The ICIR also commended Adams for his unwavering commitment to the progress of the Yoruba people, describing him as a vital link to the future of Yoruba history.
Adams reiterated the importance of unity, emphasizing its role in fostering progress. He called on traditional rulers and Yoruba people worldwide to champion peace, security, and cultural preservation.
“I call on all Yoruba throughout the world to work together for peace, harmony, and security of Yoruba land,” Adams said. “This appeal also goes to the Obas in Yoruba land to work together for the development and security of Yoruba land, and they should as well promote the cultural heritage of the land whose custodians they are.”
He further highlighted how the promotion of cultural heritage could bolster economic development, urging Yoruba rulers and adherents of Isese traditions to emulate nations that have thrived through cultural preservation.
Adams’ call for unity comes amid growing religious tensions among Yoruba monarchs and traditionalists. These tensions have stemmed from conflicts between adherents of traditional Yoruba beliefs and followers of Christianity and Islam.
A notable example is the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, who has openly criticized deity worship, sparking debates over the role of traditional practices in modern Yoruba society.
As these challenges persist, Adams’ appeal underscores the need for cooperation among Yoruba leaders to promote harmony and safeguard the region’s rich cultural legacy.
