Aare Ona Kakanfo designate of Yorubaland, Otunba Gani Adams has advised Nigerians not to equate him with Bashorun MKO Abiola, the immediate past Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.

Otunba Adams made the declaration in Iwo, Osun State, last Sunday during a book launch as part of activities marking the 50th birthday of Alhaji Semiu Okanlawon, Special adviser on Information and Strategy to Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

Adams light-heartedly made the comment in his capacity as Guest Launcher of Letters From the Streets: The Editorial Experience of The Guardian Years written by the celebrant, Semiu Okanlawon.

The comment by Otunba Gani Adams was a veil reference to the late Abiola’s deep pocket and penchant for heavy donations at such functions in his life time. Otunba Adams thereafter bought copies of the book with a princely sum of N1.5m.

The newly appointed Aare Ona Kakanfo said the book launch was his first outing after his appointment by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi lll, as Are Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland and his donation was in appreciation of his friendship with Alhaji Okanlawon and to reciprocate the good things he has done for him in the past.

The governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola led dignitaries from the political class and the creme de la creme of the Nigerian media to the colourful event. In attendance were:Hon Ayo Omidiran, member House of Representatives, Senator Hassan Hussein and members of Osun State Executive Council, the Aare Ona Kakanfo designate, Otunba Gani Adams, Lagos State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde, who also stood in for Governor Ambode of Lagos State, former Editor of The Guardian Newspaper, Mr. Debo Adesina, a former Deputy Chief of Staff to ex- Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, Mojeed Jamiu, Habib Haruna, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Lagos State, Otunba Femi Davies, Yomi Flash-Lasso and many others.