The capital cities of three countries in the West Coast – Ghana (Accra) Cote d ‘Ivoire (Abidjan) and Togo (Lome), experienced unprecedented presence of dignitaries and showcasing of Yoruba cultural-tourism display in September, when Otunba Gani Adams, National Coordinator, Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), formally inaugurated Oodua Progressive Union (OPU) in each of the cities.
Otunba Adams, led to the named countries, a 32-man strong delegation, which include four traditional rulers from the Yoruba land: Oba Joseph Adeoye Adewole – the Owa Ajero of Ijero kingdom; Oba Yisa Olanipekun – the Zaki of Arigidi, Ondo State; Oba Walidu Sanni Onigedegede of Igededgede, Ondo State and Oba Lasisi Olawuyi – Asagangan of Igangan, Oyo state.
Others are Captain Adetokunbo Adesina, Yomi Fash-Lanso, a foremost Yoruba actor, MC kirikiri, notable OPC members from Abuja, Lagos, Ilorin, bloggers, journalists among others.
The cultural revival kicked off on Friday, September 11, 2015 in the city of Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, a country where the Yorubas constitute 2.5million of the population.
Otunba Adams led the delegates to the warm embrace of the Nigerian Ambassador, Mrs Ifeoma Jacinite Akabogu-Chinwuba who, together with members of the Embassy, welcomed him and his team.
Otunba Adams, while explaining the mission of the delegation, stated: “We are not here for political reason, neither are we here on self-determination reasons. We are here to awaken the dying embers of the Yoruba cultural values and heritage, which is alarmingly trekking towards extinction particularly among the Yoruba in Diaspora.
“We realize that Cote d‘Ivoire harbours a substantial percentage of Yoruba, some of whom cannot speak their mother’s language or exhibit their cultural values. Some here have lost contact with history, culture and norms of their progenitor. We have come in accordance with the mission bestowed on us by Oduduwa and the necessity of saving members of the Yoruba race from cultural extinction.”
Otunba Adams also explained the difference between Oodua Peoples Congress, (OPC) and Oodua Progressive Union (OPU)
“OPC is a self-determination group solely to protect the territorial integrity of Yoruba within the political geography of Nigeria and within Nigeria, while OPU is a socio-cultural organisation saddled with the responsibility of re-awakening and resuscitating the dying embers of pristine Yoruba culture among the Yoruba in the Diaspora.”
Speaking, the Ajero of Ijero, Oba Adewole also gave an insight into the cultural revival mission of OPU.
“This association is to save our race from cultural doom. It is an association which has received the backing and blessing of the traditional Oba and Chiefs in Yoruba land. Thus we are here with Otunba Adams in support and in alliance with his stride to revive and sustain the cultural heritage and value of our race.”
Ambassador Akabogu-Chinwuba, in her response, commended Otunba Adams for “coming out at this time to wake up his people from cultural slumber. I have read the mission statement of the association and I believe Otunba Adams is on the right path of history.”
The Ambassador also gave her blessing to the inauguration.
“I am sure and confident that OPU as an association will not only help in cultural revival of the Yoruba value but also serve as a coordinating platform for members of the race and an institution of behavioural adherence “
She presented plaque of honour to Otunba Adams and other four traditional rulers.
At the Sport De Treichville, Abidjan, where a mass of gaily dressed Yorubas and their friends had gathered for the inauguration of OPU, Mr kareem Nasir Adeolu, OPU Coordinator and President Yoruba Community in Cote D’ivore declared that “This is one of our finest moments in the life of over 2.5 million Yoruba living in here.”
“This is the first time in the history of our sojourning here when a Yoruba son will lead eminent Yoruba Obas and dignitaries to address us not for political reason but solely on cultural heritage and values. We are most grateful delightfully welcome Otunba Gani Adams and his entourage to our midst.”
Otunba Adams while inaugurating OPU Cote d‘Ivoire on Saturday, September 12, 2015 pointed out that: “This is the 59th OPU Chapter being launched here today. It is a clarion call upon all of you all to remember, embrace, perpetuate and display your cultural antecedent and value and ensured it passage to the next generations so that generations unborn will not lose their identity to foreigners.”
He charged members of OPU to “always keep in mind that you are the image of Yoruba; you are the light of the race and cultural ambassador of Yoruba whatever your conduct and traits here counts”.
Mr Olumuyiwa Ogundeme, Consular Officer, Nigerian Embassy, Cote D ‘Ivoire who represented the Ambassadorsaid that “I am glad Otunba Adam is going all over the world singing it loud and clear to the ears of Yoruba people the need to embrace and revive their cultural values which is their identity at the comity of nations.
“I am also assuring you that the Embassy is ready and willing to support OPU in its activities and other positive acts, which will bring honour to the race and Nigeria.”
In Ghana, OPU was received by President of Yoruba community, Chief Musa Baba, who held a memorable reception for the group in home in Accra.
Chief Baba narrated to the gathering the challenges and accomplishments of Otunba Adams before he got married, his time of tribulation among others.
“We have also read a lot about OPU. We appreciate and understand what it stood for. You are the cultural messiah that the Yoruba has been waiting for. Like you did with OPC we are sure you will do more and you have started doing more than enough with OPU. We are more than ready for this wonderful race saving association.”
Chief Baba on behalf of all Yoruba in Ghana presented a plague of Honour and recognition to Otunba Adams for doing “the Yoruba race proud.”
The inauguration Hall 2 of the National Art Theatre, Liberia Road, Accra, Ghana was filled to the brim on Friday, September 18, 2015. In attendance was Raheem Kolawole, who teaches at Winneba University Ghana.
He attended the event with two very distinguished Ghanaians Dr.Toni Aubynn, Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Minerals Commission and Nana Ankamu Otabil, Chief of Gomoa Ankamu l Ankobeaben of Gomoa, Ajumako Traditional Area, Accra.
Oba of Yoruba, Bashiru Perigino Bramah was represented by Alhaji Bilaminu Bramah.
Professor Kolawole sang a song, which all in the hall danced to as Oba Olanipekun gave royal prayers for all in the Hall.
Speaking, Nana Otabil said “The Yoruba should be grateful to God for sending a strong personality in the person of Otunba Adams at this time to wake them up from the slumber and rejuvenate the cultural values and heritage of their forefathers.”
Acting OPU Co-ordinator in Ghana, Mr Kayode Siyannbola thanked Otunba Adams for “giving us the courage and the necessary supports in bringing out the strength in us to promote our culture and heritage and in hosting you today.”
Otunba Adams placed the running of OPU Ghana in the hands of a 3-man committee, which include the acting Coordinator, OPU Ghana, Mr Sinyanbola, Chief Baba and another Nigerian Chief.
He charged them to ensure proper establishment of an Executive Committee for the Union.
In Togo, on Sunday, September 20, 2015, the Palaise De Congress De Lome was venue of OPU inauguration, spearheaded by His Royal Majesty, Oba Alhaji Kareem Afolabi Amoloko 1 of Togo, who is the paramount Oba of Yoruba in Togo.
Oba Amoloko in conjunction with Mr Dauda Toriola Yusuff Olugbodi, OPU Coordinator in Togo ensured a captivating ceremony, which attracted over 2000 Yoruba in Togo to Lome.
The Nigerian ambassador in Togo, Mr Gilbert Nnaji commended Otunba Adams for the onerous responsibility which fate has saddled him.
Ambassador Nnaji said he was glad to “share the same table with Otunba Adams, a great Nigerian and a Yoruba icon who always stands up to defend whatever he believes in.”
He congratulated Yoruba in Togo for having “A purposeful Union which is set to stoke the dying embers of the pristine Yoruba culture and tradition which the race is not only identified but which stands them out in any community.”
A six year old girl, Akinpelu Seinat, excited the crowd when she recited the Yoruba poem “Mura si ise re ore mi”, with describable gestures which emphasized the meaning of every line of the poem.
Otunba Adams in his speech pointed out that “this is the 61st OPU chapter we are inaugurating today. I must commend you for your brilliance at planning and wonderful in implementation which should be the benchmark for OPU in Togo “
Summing up the 12 days Yoruba cultural revival journey of Otunba Adams in the West Coast countries, actor Fash-Lanso, said “Otunba has done what nobody has ever attempted or did in the history of Yoruba land when it comes to revitalisation and resuscitation of the Yoruba culture among the Diaspora.
“He has consciously stoked the Yoruba cultural passion in many, particularly in those who have almost killed the Yoruba cultural zeal in them. I commend and urge him to continue the good works.”
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