Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba Land, Iba Gani Adams, urges Federal Government to Recalibrate Security Infrastructure
The Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, has tasked the Federal Government with the need to recalibrate Nigeria’s security architecture and infrastructure in a bid to stop the mindless killings, kidnappings, and other vices pervading the country.
The Yoruba generalissimo made the call on Tuesday while delivering a keynote address at the grand finale of the 2025 Eledumare Festival in Lagos. He made specific reference to the insecurity issues and humanitarian crisis occurring in Ondo, Plateau, and Benue states, which have been turned into killing fields in recent weeks. He lamented that the barbaric killings outrightly negated the virtues of peace and love, which ought to hold the nation together.
Iba Adams, while sadly noting that no nation develops as a result of one section rising up against another in mindless attacks, strongly condemned the unending activities of armed herders suspected to be behind the killings and kidnappings in the three referenced states.
The Yoruba generalissimo stressed that the resurgence of the violent killings also brought back to the front burner the pressing issue of the restructuring of the Nigerian polity—one that would give birth to state and local government police. He stated that one could not, because of the political benefits of the Federal Government, continue to ignore what would be of immense benefit to the rest of the country.
“These insecurity issues go a long way in affecting food security, given the important role Benue, Plateau and Ondo states play in the food production cycle of the nation. The crisis also gives a sense of instability and discourages foreign investors.
“The government at the centre cannot continue to turn a blind eye to these necessary demands. The time to act is now. We must act decisively in the interest of our people,” Iba Adams said.
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On the essence of the 21-day Eledumare Festival, which concluded on Tuesday and featured a performance by Fuji musician Saheed Osupa, among others, Iba Adams said it was to celebrate God Almighty and also showcase the rich culture and tradition of the Yoruba people.
“The essence of the festival is to praise God for His magnificence and for what He has done in our lives.
“Most importantly, through the events held during the festival, we have also been able to promote culture and tradition, and promote tourism and commerce within the host communities, while also ensuring lasting peace within our society.
“We also had our day with widows, and visited the School for the Blind and Motherless Homes as part of our humanitarian outreach,” he said.
Speaking further, the Yoruba generalissimo observed that the relative peace being enjoyed in the South-West region was not unconnected to the over 20 cultural festivals being celebrated in different communities, and the annual Eledumare Festival that the Olokun Festival Foundation organises.
He noted that the impact of the festivals in the spiritual realm in helping to protect the peace and tranquillity in the region cannot be contested, saying that “this underscores the need to always value and preserve our culture and tradition.”
“This underscores the need to always value and preserve our culture and tradition,” Adams said.
Dignitaries who graced the grand finale of the festival included the Onifako of Ifako Kingdom, Oba Taofeek Fatusi, Obawole I; the Alakute of Akute Land, Oba Akindele Aliu; and the Onimarapa of Marapaland, Oba Adewale Amodemaja, among others.
The Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF) has been promoting the Eledumare Festival for 13 years.
This year’s festival featured prayers to Almighty God, Harvest of Praise, and sports such as boxing, a football tournament, beach soccer, a taekwondo competition, table tennis, draughts, ludo, ayo olopon, and a fashion show.
There were also performances by various traditional and cultural groups.
OFF also intends to promote Yoruba cultural festivals at the international level, with plans afoot to hold a festival in Brazil around May, with events also scheduled to take place in Senegal and Gambia respectively.
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