AARE GANI ADAMS WARNS YORUBA MONARCHS: “DISUNITY THREATENS OUR CULTURAL HERITAGE”

Ile-Ife, Osun State – January 30, 2026 – The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has raised a red flag over the escalating disunity among Yoruba traditional rulers, warning that the ongoing supremacy battles pose an existential threat to the cultural heritage and developmental future of the Yoruba race.

Speaking at the 2026 Oodua Festival held at the historic Enuwa Palace Square in Ile-Ife, the National Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) delivered a passionate plea to monarchs across Yorubaland, urging them to prioritize collective progress over personal ambitions.

“The level of disunity among our traditional rulers has reached an alarming stage,” Adams declared before a gathering of traditional leaders, cultural enthusiasts, and members of the public. “I am duty-bound to sound the alarm that this ugly development threatens our cultural heritage, social cohesion, and developmental prospects.”

The cultural ambassador specifically condemned the persistent internal rivalries and open contests for supremacy that have weakened the traditional institution, which historically serves as the cornerstone of Yoruba identity and governance.

CALL FOR UNITY

Adams emphasized that the fragmentation within the traditional institution, often fueled by political interference and personal ambitions, has eroded the collective strength and influence of Yoruba monarchs.

“We need our traditional rulers to resume speaking with one voice for the progress of Yorubaland and the entire Southwest region,” he stated. “Our Obas must embrace unity for the advancement of Yorubaland. This is essential if we are to harness the region’s enormous potential for social and economic development.”

APPEAL FOR INTERVENTION

The Aare Ona Kakanfo called on political leaders, respected elders, and prominent Yoruba leaders of thought to urgently intervene in the crisis, urging them to mediate and facilitate dialogue aimed at resolving lingering disputes among traditional rulers.

WAY FORWARD

Adams stressed that unity among monarchs would not only strengthen the traditional institution but also promote peace, stability, and sustainable development across Yoruba communities.

“In conclusion, I want to stress that it is imperative for all Yoruba monarchs to prioritize unity as a foundational strategy for social development, peace, and the overall advancement of our people,” he concluded.