begun subtle moves to become the new Are
Ona Kakanfo, 24 years after the demise of
acclaimed winner of the most credible, free
and fair Presidential election, Chief
Moshood Kasimawo Olawale Abiola,
popularly known as MKO, AljazirahNigeria
has exclusively learnt.
Subtle but steady moves
Investigations further revealed that the title,
who symbolizes the ‘War General’ of the
Yoruba nation, appears a topical issue
among a large section of people of the
South Western region now.
Informed royal sources told AljazirahNigeria
that Obasanjo, who had been secretly
fighting to secure the title since 1999, as a
democratically elected president lost then,
despite several invitations sent to
the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemo
111, for ‘breakfast’ over the exalted
chieftaincy title at Aso-Rock Villa, Abuja
and similar overtures to prominent Yoruba
leaders.
Investigations further revealed that some of
the factors that militated against the choice
of Obasanjo then were his usual mood
swings, gritty mannerism and perceived
contempt for anything that has to do with
his roots.
Unconfirmed reports further added that his
recent homage paying to the Yoruba Obas
was not unconnected with his resolve to
seek for their interventions cum assistance
in appealing to the Alaafin of Oyo and his
cabinet chiefs to consider him worthy of the
exalted position.
Impeccable palace sources added that
Obasanjo would have been considered for
the title for a very long time, but the
disatisfaction of some Yoruba leaders over
the abandonment of the Ilorin-Ibadan; as
well as Lagos-Ibadan and Lagos-Abeokuta
highways by OBJ during his eight years
administration as this stood as a barricade
to his success as regards the title.
It was further learnt that the only legacy
some notable people from Yorubaland
considered as his achievements for that
period was his private University and
Library which had little or no effect on the
fortunes of the Yoruba race.
“He did nothing for the Yoruba people. He
came to power through those who used him
to sustain a draconian political tradition”,
one of the top sources, who did not want
his name to be mentioned, added.
Who does the crown fit
It will be recalled that several years after
the demise of late M.K.O Abiola, who died
in detention after the annulment of June 12,
1993 Presidential election by the then
military junta, late General Sani, Abacha,
the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Adeyemi111 and his
cabinet chiefs have been seriously
searching for another man, who is bold,
revered and dignified enough to put on the
armoured and honorable title.
Faced by a sharp political divide, cultural
and moral meltdown and a growing public
disrespect for a largely isolated leadership,
the appointment of another Aare Ona
Kakanfo might heal wounds among the
Yoruba people, an historian, Oyewale
Bayewu told AljazirahNigeria.
“Since the exit of the late Chief Obafemi
Awolowo, the Yoruba people have been
denied as an intelligent, qualitative and
versatile leadership. The position of the
Aare Ona kakanfo is crucial in Yoruba
tradition and people who have in recent
times become famous in politics, with key
leaders making stealthy lobby to pick the
position seen as the most powerful of all
traditional titles in the Yoruba enclave,” he
adds.
A peep through history
Fourteen Aare Ona Kakanfos had been
installed so far.
The late chiefs were Kokoro Gangan of
Iwoye; Oyapote of Iwoye; Oyabi of Ajase;
Adeta of Jabata; Oku of Jabata; Afonja of
Ilorin; Toyeje of Ogbomosho; as well as
Edun of Gbogun and Amepo of Abemo.
Others were Kurumi of Ijaye; Ojo Aburumaku
of Ogbomosho (son of Toyeje of
Ogbomosho); Latoosa of Ibadan; as well as
Lakode Akintola of Ogbomosho (Premier of
the Western region during the first
republic) and MKO Abiola of Abeokuta, the
only man in history to simultaneously hold
the titles of Basorun of Ibadan and Aare
Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba.
“Abiola’s reign was a prime time because
he was using his wealth to better humanity.
He was funding universities and
giving scholarships to students. What he
did cut across Yoruba land to the extent
that people saw him as higher than a
president. He was a gift to Yoruba land and
humanity. His football team, Abiola Babes,
was better funded even than the national
team. Players were given houses and cars.
His other investments also gave better life
to workers,” apolitical analyst, Dotun
Adegboye tells AljazirahNigeria.
The ‘War General’ in ancient/modern times
In ancient times, Aare Ona Kakanfo was a
position that symbolized the might of Oyo
Empire. The Aare Ona Kakanfo was the
generalissimo of the Yoruba army. He either
conquered or died.
The Kakanfo must never be defeated,
historians tell AljazirahNigeria.
Kakanfo Ladoke Akintola was the first Aare
of the modern era.
History has it that on the night of January
15, 1966, a company of soldiers marched
on the residence of the Premier, Western
Region, Akintola ‘omo loogun, Ajalaagbe
omo
kulodo, yagboyaaju omo kara ,’ and took up
arms against Nigeria’s first coupists.
Reports have it that he evenhandedly
‘wiped out an entire contingent before
reinforcements arrived.’
One man, however, officially a civilian,
nearly overpowered a company of
professional soldiers armed with
offensive weapons!
He fought till daylight, before he was
mortally wounded.
Eyewitness accounts have it that several
hours later, with his body riddled
with bullets, lying on the bare floor in the
old Adeoyo Hospital in Ibadan, the Oyo
State Capital, he was still breathing and
remained so until he gave up the ghost at
sunset.
One of his predecessors, Kakanfo Afonja,
also battled Fulani warriors in Ilorin in
1834. Even as the arrows rained on him,
Afonja did not fall.
He died on his feet, held up by the hundreds
of arrows trained on him.
That day, the Yoruba lost Ilorin to the
Fulani hegemony.
The Kakanfos were consummate tragic
figures, history records.
Many say it is highly debatable if the
controversial ex-president, Olusegun
Obasanjo will be able to step into this vast
historical shoe
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