The title Aare Ọ̀nà Kakanfo — most often simply Kakanfo — was, in the old Oyo Empire, reserved for the greatest military commander of the age. Not a courtier. Not a politician. A general. A field marshal. A man, historically, expected to die on the battlefield rather than return home to one.
Among the most famous holders of the title: Afonja of Ilorin, whose refusal to submit remade the politics of the whole 19th-century Yoruba world. The rank was never inherited. It had to be earned — often in a single decisive campaign — and it carried, with it, the expectation of defending the realm absolutely.
That is a heavy name for a hotel to carry. We took it because we live in Ibadan, a city built by warriors, and because we found the old standard of excellence as duty worth adopting. That is all. No medals. No swords. A very good bed. Clean towels. Espresso on time. And a staff that answers to the word.