In affirmation to the historical link between Yoruba and Benin monarchies, Aare Onakankanfo (Military Commander of Yoruba Land), Gani Adams, has relived ancient memories of how Oranmiyan reigned over Benin Kingdom before he later founded Oyo Kingdom centuries ago.
Oranmiyan — the son of Oduduwa, known as Izoduwa in Edo Language connotation, was the forerunner of the Benin Royal dynasty.
In a press statement signed by Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Chief Press Secretary to Oba of Benin, yesterday, the 15th Aare Onakankanfo made the assertion when he paid a courtesy visit to Oba of Benin in Benin City where he pledged his allegiance to Oba Ewuare for his exploits.
Adams admitted that he is one of the beneficiaries of Benin traditional stool as a son of Oranmiyan who gave him the opportunity to rise to this height in life.
He said, “I am one of the beneficiaries of your stool, your Majesty, because Oranmiyan later founded Oyo Kingdom, and had been on this throne before. If not for Oranmiyan who founded Oyo, I would not have the opportunity to be Aare OnaKankanfo of Yorubaland. So, I am in front of my father.
“I perceive myself as your son because the reflection of my father Oranmiyan is on this stool. We are here to give a normal orientation to our members in O’odua People’s Congress (OPC)”.
He also enjoined Edo people at home and the diaspora not to relent in promoting and supporting their culture, stressing that of all the Nigeria’s kings whose treasures were looted by invaders, Benin throne has recorded the highest number of recovering their artefacts so far.
Adams said, “I always cherish how your Kingdom’ subjects always preserve their culture because I am a cultural enthusiast. So, when I see the way Benin people cherish their things — respect their King, we in Yorubaland keep telling our people, can’t you see the way Benin people revere their King?
According to him, “I want to appeal to the people of Benin that you should continue to respect your King the way you protect your identity. If you do not know your identity, if you do not know where you are coming from, you won’t know where you are going.
“If you do not promote your culture and your tradition, who will promote it for you? That is one of the reasons that out of all the kings in Nigeria, Benin has the highest recovery of their looted artefacts”, he said.
Responding, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, CFR, Oba of Benin, welcomed Gani Adams, stating that his reputation precedes him.
He acknowledged the Aare Onakankanfo for his comments on the Benin throne for sharing his thoughts and for identifying with the Benin Palace.
The Royal father said, “I want to appeal to you that wherever you are to also help Benin people to promote their culture and tradition”.
