Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, has urged Yoruba people, traditional leaders, and cultural practitioners to unite in fostering progress and development within the Yoruba community.
He made this call on Friday when members of the International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR), led by its President, Fayemi Fakayode, visited him at his residence in Lagos.
In a statement released by the ICIR President in Ibadan, Oyo State, the purpose of the visit was outlined as promoting peace and progress in Yoruba land and across Nigeria.
The statement read, “Our mission is to advocate for collaboration and unity among Yoruba leaders, particularly traditional rulers, to ensure peace and development for our people. We commend your unwavering commitment to the advancement of the Yoruba race, as your contributions will remain a vital part of its history.”
Adams also urged Ifá practitioners worldwide to work together under the leadership of the ICIR, emphasizing that unity is a key driver of progress and development. He called on Yoruba people globally to join efforts in promoting peace, harmony, and security in Yoruba land.
“I appeal to all Yoruba people, wherever they are, to work together to ensure peace, harmony, and the security of our land. I also call on traditional rulers to cooperate for the development of Yoruba land and to actively preserve and promote our cultural heritage, which they are entrusted to protect,” he said.
He added that promoting cultural heritage not only safeguards tradition but also contributes to economic growth, encouraging traditional leaders and cultural practitioners to embrace this vision.
In recent years, tensions have arisen among Yoruba leaders and cultural practitioners due to conflicts between traditional worshippers and followers of other religions, such as Islam and Christianity.
A notable example is the stance of the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, who has openly opposed the practice of deity worship, reflecting ongoing challenges in preserving traditional beliefs in a modernized society.
