Yoruba group in Diaspora, others make case for restructuring

… As Alake, Adams urge Nigerians abroad to think home

Rebecca Opaluwa

Members of the Oodua Progressive Union (OPU), a group of Yoruba men and women in the diaspora, recently concluded their annual world congress in Abeokuta, Ogun State. And one of the conclusions at the event was that Nigeria might not make much progress until the country is restructured.
“The congress moves in strong terms in support of the restructuring of the country, and in support of calls to allow every federating unit to develop at their own pace, so as to enhance democracy and good governance,” the group said.
Just before the commencement of the event, the group, led by its convener, Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, called on the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, in his palace in Abeokuta. At the meeting with the OPU delegates, the monarch urged Nigerians, especially Yoruba sons and daughters in the diaspora, to get involved in the activities of nation building.
Oba Gbadebo praised the efforts of Aare Adams for his laudable initiatives, including the establishment of the OPU. He described the Aare as a bold, courageous and reliable son of Yorubaland.
The Egba monarch, who is also the permanent chairman, Egba Council of Obas, said he was happy to see the progress made so far by the OPC national coordinator in all areas, particularly by using the various platforms under his leadership to promote the culture, tradition and unity of Yorubaland.
“Your new status as the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland was never by accident; it was generally accepted by all Yoruba Obas and leaders because of your boldness, courage and commitment to the unity and progress of Yorubaland.
“I, therefore, charge all members of the OPU to see themselves as ambassadors of this great nation. Wherever you are, in any part of the world, have it in mind that you should come and do great things in Nigeria,” said the monarch, who later prayed for all members of the group.
In his response, Aare Adams said the group was presently in 79 countries across the world, adding that members of OPU have good intentions to help promote the cultural heritage of the Yoruba. He noted also that this year’s edition of the world congress was the fourth in the series. He stressed that OPU was created to bring Yoruba sons and daughters abroad together under one umbrella for networking and economic development of Yorubaland.
“I am of the conviction that OPU is now a formidable force across the world, and I believe strongly that all our members will always champion the cause and ideals of our great organisation,” he said.
In his keynote lecture, Dr. Soji Aderemi Fajenyo of the Department of Yoruba, Federal College of  Education, Abeokuta, spoke on unity and restructuring as a way of ensuring progress in Nigeria and Yorubaland in particular.
He said, for Nigeria to make any progress, there should be unity among the citizenry, and such could only be possible if the nation is restructured alongside the people’s traditions and culture.
The scholar urged members of the group to continue in their efforts to promote Yoruba language as a way of advancing the identity of the Yoruba race.
Other speakers at the event were Chief Ayinla Oke, secretary-general, OPU Worldwide, Prince Lanre Sunmonu, coordinator, OPU Europe, Chief Victor Mobolaji Adewale, Chief Mark Oyetunde, chairman, 2018 World Congress, Mr. Shola Agboola, coordinator, OPU North America,  Mr. Segun Ogunpitan, coordinator of OPU in all African countries, and other prominent members.
A communiqué issued at the end of the congress expressed the union’s gratitude to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, for installing the group’s convener as the Aare Ona Kakanfo. The group also praised the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, for their love and support for the OPU.
While appealing to all Yoruba sons and daughters to support the new Aare Ona Kakanfo, the OPU congress expressed concerns over the menace of herdsmen across the country and urged the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the menace.
The OPU also resolved that its fifth World Congress in 2019 would be held in Akure, Ondo State, while that of 2020 would be held in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.