Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, has called for stronger ties between the Yoruba and the Itsekiri ethnic nationalities.

He made the call when he visited the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse 111, at his palace in Warri on Monday.

Mr Adams, who said that there was a strong affinity between the Yoruba and Itsekiri people, called for the sustenance of the unity.

“We also see the Itsekiri people as one of the descendants of the Oduduwa. We agreed that the Benin founded the Itsekiri kingdom, but we also have Yoruba Itsekiri.

“Yoruba people cannot do without the Itsekiri people and the Itsekiri cannot do without the Yoruba. So, we need each other.

“When Chief Obafemi Awolowo was the Premier of the Western region, he did not joke with the Itsekiri people.

“When June 12 was annulled, Pa Alfred Rewane stood by the Yoruba people.

“You cannot complete the struggle from military to democracy without referring to Rewane,” he said.

Mr Adams assured the royal father that the Yoruba people would continue to support him on his throne.

“I am with you from today. We are ready to stand with the Itsekiri people,” he said.

The Aare Ona Kankafo urged the Itsekiri people to unite and support the traditional ruler.

He said that he started on a good foundation, using his influence to network and bring development to the Iwereland.

Responding, Mr Atuwatse appreciated Mr Adams and his entourage for the visit.

The traditional ruler who spoke through Chief Brown Mene, said both Itsekiri and Yoruba people were from the same heritage.

“We like to reiterate some of the things you attested to, that is, the relationship between the two ethnic groups.

“We cannot think of ourselves without thinking of our origin. If you do not know where you are going, you should know where you are coming from.

“The base of our language is Yorubanoid. You can not think of Itsekiri without the Yoruba people, neither can you think of Yoruba without the Itsekiri people,” he said.

On Mr Adams’ entourage were Kolawole Raheem, Gani Balogun, the Osi Are Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, and Kehinde Aderemi, the press secretary to Mr Adams, among others.

(NAN)