Akran of Badagry, De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi, has explained why he honoured National Coordinator of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams, with the kingdom’s traditional title.
The monarch had, last Saturday, conferred the title of Awhannukongon (Asiwaju Ogun of Badagry) on Adams, as part of activities to celebrate the Akran’s 40th coronation anniversary.
The ceremony was held inside the Oba Menu-Toyi’s palace in Badagry.
At the event, the monarch said Adams was offered the chieftaincy title in recognition of the OPC leader’s promotion of tourism in Badagry through Olokun Festival Foundation, which has, for 15 years, organised the Olokun Festival.
Chief Onusekan Gbewa l, the Jengen of Badagry, also described Adams as a fearless freedom fighter. He said conferment of the chieftaincy title was long overdue because of the laudable efforts of the OPC leader to the development of Badagry.
“I am aware that you have been given more than 46 chieftaincy titles in different places in Yorubaland.
“I pray to God that you will be given the mother of all chieftaincy titles in Nigeria, which all of us will come and celebrate with you soon,” he said.
Another member of Badagry Council of Chiefs, Chief Adesine Hundogan, Agoloto of Badagry, noted that following promotion of tourism in Badagry, by Adams, through the Olokun Festival, crude oil has been discovered in the town, making Lagos one of the oil-producing states.
Baale of Yafin, Chief Abiodun Whedoku Patinvoh, also told Otunba Adams he should always count on the support of Badagry people in all his progressive endeavours, especially the ones dealing with the promotion of culture.
In his acceptance speech, Adams thanked Oba Akran and the Council of Chiefs for conferring such important chieftaincy title on him, despite the fact that he is not an indigene of Badagry.
He promised not to betray the trust bestowed on him by the people of Badagry.
Adams said he would continue to boost the development of Badagry in every possible way.