My destiny will Decide if I will Take a Second Wife

The story of Otunba Gani Adams is a study in human metamorphosis. He has worn many colourful caps that make him a cynosure of all eyes. More adorable is the royal cap he now wears as the 15th Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba Land. Call it luck or destiny, the so

He never dreamt or imagined his present position when he set out for activism which he said was simply altruistic, but he can’t hide the fact that he feels better than good in his new position that gives him privilege to serve his race. “I must confess, I feel excited, not only because the title earns me deeper respect but also gives me the opportunity to connect more with the Yoruba race,” the Yoruba Generalissimo enthused.

But good thing rarely comes on a platter of gold; it takes hardwork amongst other commitments. The life of Gani Adams further lends credence to the words of Gianni Versace that “in the past, people were born royal but nowadays, royalty comes from what you do.” Adams was not born with a silver spoon and was nowhere close to the palace. Like any aspiring young man, he was committed to his career as an interior decorator before fate led him to humanitarian cause. As an activist and a faithful of the Odua People’s Congress, (OPC), he was loyal to the cause. He never had any inkling about his present except that he recalled that his mentor, late Chief Gani Fawehinmi used to address him as the Generalissimo of Yoruba Land.

“Maybe he foresaw it, I don’t understand but each time late Chief sees me, he does not call me by any other name other than the ‘Generallisimo of Yoruba land’ and this was since 1999. I didn’t take it seriously as I only laughed it off. I’m not surprised that I’m here. I see this as a reward for hardwork. I consider it that for me to be here today; I have been tested and trusted. The Yoruba race believes in me and I’m obliged not to disappoint them.”

Getting to a lofty position may be tough, maintaining such may be tougher and this is not restricted to business elites or politicians, even the royal class have the challenges they address on a daily basis. In his own case, he said: “The Office of the Aare is capital intensive, it requires resources. People believe that when they have access to me, all their problems are solved. Asides money, they believe I can connect them to anybody and even beyond Nigeria. As much as I’m in a position to help, I can’t grant all requests. I can’t answer everyone at once. I mean, I’m just six months old here; there is a limit to what I can do considering the loads of demands being pushed to me. When you are in