The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, has called for unity among Yoruba sons and daughters, traditional rulers, and practitioners of traditional religions to promote the progress of the Yoruba race.
Adams made this appeal during a visit from the executive members of the International Council for Ifa Religion, led by its President, Fayemi Fakayode, at his Lagos residence. The visit aimed to advocate for peace and cooperation among Yoruba leaders for the benefit of Yoruba land and Nigeria as a whole.
In a statement issued by the ICIR President in Ibadan, Fakayode praised Adams for his commitment to the advancement of the Yoruba people, highlighting the need for collective efforts to promote peace and development.
Adams, while addressing the gathering, urged Ifá practitioners worldwide to unite with Yoruba traditional rulers, emphasizing that only unity can lead to progress. He called on all Yoruba, especially monarchs, to work together to ensure the security and development of Yoruba land and to promote its cultural heritage.
Recent tensions have arisen between some Yoruba monarchs and traditionalists, particularly regarding religious conflicts between traditional beliefs and other religions like Islam and Christianity. A prominent example is the controversy surrounding the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, who opposes deity worship.
Adams stressed that the promotion of Yoruba heritage is critical, not only for cultural preservation but also for economic development, urging traditional leaders to lead by example.
