The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, on Tuesday, reaffirmed his commitment to democratic ideals while calling on stakeholders to safeguard the nation’s political system and prevent actions that could lead to unrest.

While raising concerns over what he described as growing threats to Nigeria’s democracy, Adams said those who fought for Nigeria’s democracy would not remain silent in the face of perceived threats.

He called on all stakeholders to safeguard the nation’s political system and prevent actions that could lead to unrest.

The Yoruba Generalissimo made the call at the grand finale of the 21-day annual Eledumare Festival, organised by the Olokun Festival Foundation in Lagos.

The festival brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, and dignitaries from across Yorubaland in a celebration that blended spirituality, culture, and socio-political discourse.

Commenting on national issues, Adams expressed concern over what he termed declining tolerance for opposition parties in Nigeria’s democratic system.

He warned that “a democracy without opposition is becoming a dictatorship,” stressing that judicial actions perceived as targeting opposition groups could undermine public confidence in the system.

He cited historical precedents, including the 1993 Nigerian presidential election annulment, to illustrate how judicial and political decisions could destabilise the nation.

Adams also appealed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and the judiciary to review what he described as questionable injunctions and rulings affecting political parties.

He warned that weakening opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections could create conditions for political instability, urging politicians to act in the national interest rather than pursue narrow agendas.

The Yoruba generalissimo urged monarchs across the region to take deliberate steps to document and preserve their histories and traditions. He advocated the establishment of mini-museums within or near royal palaces to serve as repositories of cultural heritage.

Such efforts, he said, would not only safeguard history for future generations but also educate indigenes and visitors about the evolution of their communities.

Adams also praised the Egba people for what he described as a successful hosting of the 2026 Lisabi/Olumo Festival, highlighting the massive turnout and economic impact of the event. He noted that hotels were fully booked ahead of the celebration and that business activities were temporarily suspended to allow full participation.

He said the festival’s growing prominence could position it alongside other major cultural events in Yorubaland.

The Eledumare Festival, which concluded on Tuesday, brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, and dignitaries from across Yorubaland in a celebration that blended spirituality, culture, and socio-political discourse.

Speaking on the significance of Olokun Festival Foundation, Adams said the event had continued to serve as a platform for promoting culture, tourism, and communal harmony over the past 14 years.

He noted that this year’s festival featured a wide range of activities, including prayers, sporting competitions, fashion displays, and humanitarian outreach to 666666vulnerable groups such as widows and orphanages.

According to him, the festival not only celebrates God but also stimulates local economies and fosters unity across host communities.

Adams commended traditional rulers and stakeholders for sustaining the initiative, expressing optimism that the festival could eventually attain a scale that would warrant regional public holidays.

Earlier, Chairman, planning committee and Parakoyi Aare Ona Kakanfo, Professor Kolawole Raheem described the festival as a rare spiritual knowledge of the celebration of the supreme being, Eledumare.

“We need to consistently seek the face of Eledumare, especially at a time Nigerians and indeed the world is going through a turbulent phase in their history. The festival will become a festival to be celebrated across the country and worldwide,” he declared. (Nigerian Tribune)

Update news