The determination of Oodua Progressive Union (OPU), being led by Otunba Gani Adams to resuscitate and sustain Yoruba cultural tourism heritage among Africans in Diaspora is not only gaining global acceptance but spreading fast.
OPU, which has been launched in 62 countries, added two other countries – Senegal and The Gambia – to the stock.
Otunba Adams led three traditional rulers, the Ajero of Ijero Kingdom, Oba Joseph Adewole, the Zaki of Arigidi Akoko, Oba Yisa Olanipekun and the Onigbaye of Igbaye, Oba Joseph Moronfoye Okunlola, to the countries from November 4 to 8, 2015.
Other dignitaries were Captain Adetokunbo Adesina, Otunba Olufemi Davies, Fashlanso Yomi, Olajide Sanni, OPU Europe Secretary -General, MC Kirikiri, Alhaji Ibrahim Sokoto. Mr Babs Oguntade and OPC Deputy National Secretary, Mr Lasun Ogunfowokan.
The bright day for the OPU delegates from Nigeria opened up at the Banjul International Airport on November 4, when the Yoruba in The Gambia organised a rousing welcome Yoruba cultural display for the guests.
The spectacular cultural entertainment displayed by the Yoruba cultural group attracted other airport users and travellers.
A Gambian national, Maria Tipote, who admired the Yoruba songs and claimed to have studied in Ibadan, Nigeria remarked “The Yoruba are especially culturally colourful and responsible ethnic group in Nigeria. I used to enjoy first class show of these kinds when I was at the University of Ibadan.
“They have special words and language for respect, honour and age group. Wonderful set of people.”
The cultural tone set at the airport ruled the wave of activities of OPU delegates in the Gambia and this was exhibited at the Nigerian House, Gambia, where Otunba Adams and OPU delegates were hosted and received warmly by the staff of the Embassy.
Though the Charge d’Affaires, Mr Mansur G. Abdulkarim was not in the country, the OPU delegates were received by Mrs H. Nelson Udu , Head of Chancery and other staff of the Embassy; Mrs M. S. Ekanem, Consular, Mr Oko David, First secretary, Mr Mohammed Oladega, Mrs A. T. Ogunmilua and Mrs P. N.
Otunba Adams while addressing the diplomats said: “The essence of paying a courtesy call is in line with Yoruba tradition of given honour to those it is due. It is in the Yoruba culture. You don’t work in a man’s compound without first intimating him your vision. This is what we are doing.”
“We are here to stoke the pristine cultural value of our forefathers which we have noticed is on the sliding trend with our people in the Diaspora. We are calling their conscience to re-embrace the ethos, ethics and cultural values of dignity of labour, respect, social interaction without, integrity and responsibility. All these will make them worthy citizens of Nigeria in foreign land.”
Responding, Mrs Kane who was visibly impressed by the analysis of character reformation and upbraiding set by OPU for its members commended Otunba Adams allowing him to be used by fate and posterity in revitalisation of core cultural values and norms for the glory of the country.”
Her words: “It does not matter whether it is for the Yoruba or the other. Value is contagious. Good behaviour influences others. This is commendable and worthy of emulation for other race or nations in Nigeria too.”
“What you are doing will further add value to the rating of the Yoruba who are the least problematic group in The Gambia. It is a fact that the Yoruba in The Gambia are best behaved. This cultural wakeup call will further up the ante. This is good and laudable.”
On November 6, 2015, Otunba Adams inaugurated Oodua Progressive Union, The Gambia Charter at the prestigious Officers ‘Mess, Kotu South.
In the presence of representatives of Ibo, Hausa and Edo communities and at the instance of the consular of Nigeria Embassy, Mrs Ekanem, attested to by three traditional rulers from Yoruba land, Otunba Adams presented the OPU staff of office to Hon Akeem Babatunde Abdu with a stern instruction to “showcase with, integrity vigour and strength, the pristine Yoruba cultural values which make the Yoruba why they are who they are.”
The leader of Nigerians in The Gambia, Asiwaju Bashorun Ojikutu lauded Otunba Adams for the inauguration of OPU in the Gambia and assured that ‘we shall make Yoruba race proud and shore up the image of Nigeria here.”
If the inauguration of OPU in The Gambia was spectacular, that of the Senegal chapter which was inaugurated at the Cultural Centre, Blaise Senghor, Dakar, Senegal on Sunday 8 November was more captivating.
Apart from the Nigerian cultural groups which dazzled the guests and members, the OPU Senegal brought in a Senegalese dancing cultural group which set heat of excitement on the environment.
Otunba Adams while presenting the OPU staff of office to Mr Oluwasegun Adekunle Ogunpitan tasked him to always be a leader who should show and lay good examples.
“Let the pristine Oodua characteristics, the Omoluabi virtues be your testament and testimonial of behaviour. The essence of you being the leader is to by words of wisdom, proverbs and deeds whip your members back to the line of virtue that will encourage Oduduwa to smile at you from the ancestral stead.”
Responding, Mr Ogunpitan assured that “this inauguration has placed a moral and physical burden on my conscience as the custodian of the Yoruba virtues and cultural mores. I will live beyond expectation and ensure that OPU Senegal is the cynosure of other chapters in good deeds and acts.
OPU Senegal Coordinator, Mr Ogunpitan presented an award to Otunba Adams for “his firm commitment, perseverance and dogged spreading and reviving the Yoruba culture all over the world.”
Similarly, Oba Joseph Moronfoye Okunlola presented a trophy to the club which won the OPU Senegal Football competition.
Mr Ogunfowokan, OPC Deputy National Secretary described the inauguration of OPU in Senegal and The Gambia “A milestone of events which will go a long way in improving the perception of Nigeria as a country by citizens of these countries and reshape the level of socialisation between OPU members , other Nigerian communities and the citizens of the host countries.”
Also speaking, Otunba Davies said “It was two memorable events sandwiched with cultural tourism effects aimed at breeding a set of highly culturally responsible Yoruba people for the perpetuation and salvation of the pristine Yoruba culture from the abyss of forgetfulness.”
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