Yoruba organization berths in Europe with fanfare The Oodua People’s Union (OPU), set up to offer Yoruba people in the Diaspora a platform to promote the cultural heritage of the Yoruba race, finally berthed in the UK and other major European nations recently. Expectedly, the launch availed Yoruba resident in the UK, Holland, France and Germany the opportunity to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people. The setting was the largest gathering of Yoruba sons and daughters across the United Kingdom in recent time. For weeks before the final day, words have gone round that the Yoruba were finally getting their ‘own’ organization to represent their interest, culturally and socially across Europe. And so, it was with pomp and pageantry that the Oodua People’s Union (OPU) was launched in the UK on Saturday September 7, 2013, the first leg of an epoch-making event that was to hold later across Europe- Holland, France and Germany. Once again, the Yoruba were finding their voice, which for a long time seemed lost in the jungle. The launch was part of efforts to provide a unifying platform for Yoruba in the Diaspora to forge a common and uphold their cultural heritage. Starting with the UK, the OPU fever soon spread to Holland, then France and Germany. At each stop, the OPU announced its presence with loud ovations, as Yoruba sons and daughters joined hands to forge a common front. Expectedly, the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba race was on display as people turned out in well-ironed traditional attires, laced with rich beads. The venue, Unit 9-14, Nice Business Park, Sylan Gove, London, was literally turned into a Yoruba town, at least for the programme lasted. Seeing the huge turn-out of the children of Oduduwa and the bright, colourful attires on display, one of the dignitaries simply blurted out loud to himself: “If you are not here today, then you’re not Yoruba.” And for good reason, he was right. At the head of the high profile of dignitaries from Nigeria was the convener of OPU, Otunba Gani Adams, who also doubles as the Chief Promoter of Olokun Festival Foundation. With him were several first class monarchs from across Yoruba land. They include Oba Kolawole Aremu Sowemimo, Olu of Owode-Egba; Oba Mukaila Salako; Oba Michael Ayinde Oderinde, Olu of Sawonjo; Oba E. Olanuloye, Olu of Igbogila; Oba Mukaila Slako, Adokun of Iganokota; Oba Patrick Fasinu, Olowo of Owo and Oba Adeogun Ogunbona, Alagbore of Igbore. Other dignitaries include Arc. Mobolaji Falase, President, Yoruba Council of Elders, Europe and USA and Councillor Adedamola Aminu, Deputy Mayor of Lambert Council, Chief Yinka Quadri and Alhaji Musiliu Akinsaya among several others. In his keynote address, the convener of the group, Otunba Gani Adams, who was ably assisted by his wife, Erelu Mojisola Adams, said he was particularly happy to witness the launch of the OPU in the UK. While urging Yorubas living in the UK to see themselves as one big family, he reminded them of the importance of upholding the good name of their progenitor, Oduduwa, at all times. Otunba Adams said: “I am particularly happy today because God, in His infinite mercy, has made it possible for all of us to be part of history today. Many people would have loved to witness this epoch-making event. But they are not able to do so due to one reason or the other. So for us gathered here, the formal launching of Oodua People’s Union (OPU) in the UK is indeed a unique opportunity. “The formation of the OPU is significant in two ways: First, it will serve as a platform for all Yoruba sons and daughters in the UK to contribute their own quotas to the development of our fatherland. In others words, from today, the Yoruba people all over the world will hope to tap from the abundance human resources available in all of you, hoping that you would collectively rise in defence of any member who faces injustice or needs assistance of any form. “Secondly, the union is coming at a time when major events all over the world point to dangerous directions that demand you to clearly identity with your root to be able to survive the potential dangers. Don’t forget that racism is still with us as it was in those days of our forefathers and slave trade. “Tribalism has continued to assume an alarming dimension in the modern world. And in recent time, religious bigotry seems to have joined the axis. Fortunately for us as Yoruba and in Yoruba Land, we are too civilized to indulge in all of these shameful conducts. It is only in Yoruba land that you can see members of the same family practice different religions and yet they still live in peace and harmony, eat from the same plate and pursue family interest without any sign of religious difference. “It was here in the UK that our illustrious son, late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, along other sons of Oodua, formed the Egbe omo Oodua in 1945. You will recollect that it was that same group that formed the base of the political party that would later rescue the Yoruba and established us as the most enlightened and advanced race in Nigeria. “Today, once more we are taking another giant step towards the further emancipation of our people with the launching of OPU. With this group, we are offering all sons and daughters of Oodua in the UK a platform to contribute their quota to the development of our fatherland.” The highly-inspiring speech set the pace for what was to follow, and making the night one that would not be forgotten in a long time by the Yoruba community in the UK. And the comperes for the night, the duo of Alariwo and Abike Ade, sure know how to wow the large crowd with rib-cracking jokes, delivered in rich Yoruba language. The Deputy Mayor of Lambeth Council, London, UK, Councilor Adedamola Aminu, in his lecture asked the Yoruba all over the world to unite and form a strong and united force. Following in his tracks, Dr. Dapo Williams, who spoke on the topic: ‘Yoruba Nation in the 21st century: Our relevance in the socio-political development of Nigeria’, demanded a more robust and focused participation by Yoruba in the politics of the nation. Earlier on, in his welcome address, OPU Coordinator, UK Chapter, Otunba Wale Harrison, was full of praise of the convener of the group, Otunba Gani Adams, for having the foresight for the formation of the OPU. He described the launch of the group in the UK as another step in the right direction, promising that OPU will work for the development of Yoruba land. “Today, once more we are taking another giant step towards the further emancipation of our people with the launching of OPU. With this group, we are offering all sons and daughters of Oodua in the UK a platform to contribute their quota to the development of our fatherland. “I am particularly want to thank God Almighty for impressing it on our leader, Otunba (Dr.) Gani Adams, to come up with the formation of the OPU. And as I stand before you today, I promise that every member of the OPU in the UK will be good ambassadors of Yoruba people, both here and at home. “And we are not unaware that that promise goes with a lot of responsibilities. But we make bold to state before our fathers gathered here today that we shall continue fly the flag of our fatherland with pride, be good citizens and contribute to the development of Yoruba nation and Nigeria in general.” The night had all the flavours you can ever get at such gathering by Yoruba sons and daughters. On hand to bring out the flavor were the duo of afro juju music maestro, Sir Shina Peters and fuji act, Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma. From the UK, the OPU train moved to Holland on Saturday September 14, when that country’s chapter was launched with fanfare and pageantry. Welcoming the guests, the Coordinator, OPU, Holland Chapter, Akogun Banji Ojo, said the group is putting plans together to establish a befitting Heritage House in Amsterdam. He promised that the OPU will ensure that the rich and enviable culture and history of the Yoruba is not relegated to the background. Delivering his keynote address, Otunba Gani Adams said the OPU was formed to ensure unity among Yoruba in the Diaspora. He said: “The OPU was set up as a platform to fine-tune the many cords that bind the Yoruba race by increasing the ability and knowledge of our people on how to live in harmony with one another, and to also understand the modern concept of democratic structure, societal value and purposeful leadership. “The OPU was formed to pursue the cause of strengthening the fabric of cohesion and integration of Yoruba land through the promotion of unity and solidarity amongst ourselves, and with the sole mission of empowering the Yoruba people (home and abroad) for effective involvement in creating structures and designing policies and programmes that will serve their interests, and ultimately enable them contribute to the development process and enjoy the benefits there from.” Shortly before unveiling the OPU logo, Otunba Adams urged the members to always have it at the back of the minds that they are true sons and daughters of Oduduwa, and so should see themselves as ambassadors of the Yoruba race anywhere they find themselves. In her address, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Holland, Ambassador Nimota Akanbi, the Special guest of honour at the event, called on Nigerians resident in the Netherland to stay away from crime and protect the good image of Nigeria in whatever they do. Ambassador Akanbi said the doors of the Nigerian embassy are open to any Nigerian with immigration problem, and maintained that the unity of Nigeria is the responsibility of every Nigerian, irrespective of tribe or religion. The Royal Father of the day, HRM Oba Yisa Olanipekun, Zaki of Arigidi Akoko, Ondo State, while praying for the success of Yoruba in the Diaspora, urged OPU members to always ‘remember the son of whom you are’. A documentary on Yoruba political evolution added spice to an already charged night, as guests sat glued to their seats throughout the duration of the documentary. Two governors from the southwest, Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola and his Ekiti State counterpart, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, were honoured with Leadership Awards at the event. Governor Aregbesola was represented by Hon. Bola Ilori, while Mr. Wale Ojo-Lanre received the award on behalf of Governor Fayemi. Representatives of other ethnic groups like the Edo and Igbo communities turned out to give their moral support to their countrymen. The next stop was France, where the OPU berthed on Wednesday, September 11, with all the trappings of Yoruba culture and tradition. Yoruba people resident in France did not disappoint, as they roped out to receive Otunba Adams and his team. The crowd of about 2000 that showed up at the Grammont center, Rouen, France, proved that they were indeed ready to move their fatherland forward, starting with the presentation of an award to Otunba Gani Adams, for his effort to bring about unity among the Yoruba in the Diaspora. Shortly before the unveiling of the logo, Otunba Adams urged the people to be steadfast and remain united, stressing that their unity will bring about development to Yoruba land. The night was rounded off with a sterling performance by Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma. The last leg of the launch held at Kurt-Schumacherplat Z, Berlin, Germany, on Friday, September 13. Not willing to be outdone by their counterparts in other parts of Europe, OPU members in Germany rolled out the drums to make the final leg of the launch of OPU in Europe a huge success. Otunba Gani Adams continued with his call on Yoruba in the Diaspora to unite and work for the development of Yoruba land. Oba Yisa Olanipekun also showered royal blessings on the people, and advised them to see one another as one family. With the OPU firmly rooted in major European countries, the events were finally rounded off with beautiful display of Yoruba culture, while Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma treated the guests to wonderful fuji tunes. Yoruba organization berths in Europe with fanfare The Oodua People’s Union (OPU), set up to offer Yoruba people in the Diaspora a platform to promote the cultural heritage of the Yoruba race, finally berthed in the UK and other major European nations recently. Expectedly, the launch availed Yoruba resident in the UK, Holland, France and Germany the opportunity to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people. The setting was the largest gathering of Yoruba sons and daughters across the United Kingdom in recent time. For weeks before the final day, words have gone round that the Yoruba were finally getting their ‘own’ organization to represent their interest, culturally and socially across Europe. And so, it was with pomp and pageantry that the Oodua People’s Union (OPU) was launched in the UK on Saturday September 7, 2013, the first leg of an epoch-making event that was to hold later across Europe- Holland, France and Germany. Once again, the Yoruba were finding their voice, which for a long time seemed lost in the jungle. The launch was part of efforts to provide a unifying platform for Yoruba in the Diaspora to forge a common and uphold their cultural heritage. Starting with the UK, the OPU fever soon spread to Holland, then France and Germany. At each stop, the OPU announced its presence with loud ovations, as Yoruba sons and daughters joined hands to forge a common front. Expectedly, the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba race was on display as people turned out in well-ironed traditional attires, laced with rich beads. The venue, Unit 9-14, Nice Business Park, Sylan Gove, London, was literally turned into a Yoruba town, at least for the programme lasted. Seeing the huge turn-out of the children of Oduduwa and the bright, colourful attires on display, one of the dignitaries simply blurted out loud to himself: “If you are not here today, then you’re not Yoruba.” And for good reason, he was right. At the head of the high profile of dignitaries from Nigeria was the convener of OPU, Otunba Gani Adams, who also doubles as the Chief Promoter of Olokun Festival Foundation. With him were several first class monarchs from across Yoruba land. They include Oba Kolawole Aremu Sowemimo, Olu of Owode-Egba; Oba Mukaila Salako; Oba Michael Ayinde Oderinde, Olu of Sawonjo; Oba E. Olanuloye, Olu of Igbogila; Oba Mukaila Slako, Adokun of Iganokota; Oba Patrick Fasinu, Olowo of Owo and Oba Adeogun Ogunbona, Alagbore of Igbore. Other dignitaries include Arc. Mobolaji Falase, President, Yoruba Council of Elders, Europe and USA and Councillor Adedamola Aminu, Deputy Mayor of Lambert Council, Chief Yinka Quadri and Alhaji Musiliu Akinsaya among several others. In his keynote address, the convener of the group, Otunba Gani Adams, who was ably assisted by his wife, Erelu Mojisola Adams, said he was particularly happy to witness the launch of the OPU in the UK. While urging Yorubas living in the UK to see themselves as one big family, he reminded them of the importance of upholding the good name of their progenitor, Oduduwa, at all times. Otunba Adams said: “I am particularly happy today because God, in His infinite mercy, has made it possible for all of us to be part of history today. Many people would have loved to witness this epoch-making event. But they are not able to do so due to one reason or the other. So for us gathered here, the formal launching of Oodua People’s Union (OPU) in the UK is indeed a unique opportunity. “The formation of the OPU is significant in two ways: First, it will serve as a platform for all Yoruba sons and daughters in the UK to contribute their own quotas to the development of our fatherland. In others words, from today, the Yoruba people all over the world will hope to tap from the abundance human resources available in all of you, hoping that you would collectively rise in defence of any member who faces injustice or needs assistance of any form. “Secondly, the union is coming at a time when major events all over the world point to dangerous directions that demand you to clearly identity with your root to be able to survive the potential dangers. Don’t forget that racism is still with us as it was in those days of our forefathers and slave trade. “Tribalism has continued to assume an alarming dimension in the modern world. And in recent time, religious bigotry seems to have joined the axis. Fortunately for us as Yoruba and in Yoruba Land, we are too civilized to indulge in all of these shameful conducts. It is only in Yoruba land that you can see members of the same family practice different religions and yet they still live in peace and harmony, eat from the same plate and pursue family interest without any sign of religious difference. “It was here in the UK that our illustrious son, late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, along other sons of Oodua, formed the Egbe omo Oodua in 1945. You will recollect that it was that same group that formed the base of the political party that would later rescue the Yoruba and established us as the most enlightened and advanced race in Nigeria. “Today, once more we are taking another giant step towards the further emancipation of our people with the launching of OPU. With this group, we are offering all sons and daughters of Oodua in the UK a platform to contribute their quota to the development of our fatherland.” The highly-inspiring speech set the pace for what was to follow, and making the night one that would not be forgotten in a long time by the Yoruba community in the UK. And the comperes for the night, the duo of Alariwo and Abike Ade, sure know how to wow the large crowd with rib-cracking jokes, delivered in rich Yoruba language. The Deputy Mayor of Lambeth Council, London, UK, Councilor Adedamola Aminu, in his lecture asked the Yoruba all over the world to unite and form a strong and united force. Following in his tracks, Dr. Dapo Williams, who spoke on the topic: ‘Yoruba Nation in the 21st century: Our relevance in the socio-political development of Nigeria’, demanded a more robust and focused participation by Yoruba in the politics of the nation. Earlier on, in his welcome address, OPU Coordinator, UK Chapter, Otunba Wale Harrison, was full of praise of the convener of the group, Otunba Gani Adams, for having the foresight for the formation of the OPU. He described the launch of the group in the UK as another step in the right direction, promising that OPU will work for the development of Yoruba land. “Today, once more we are taking another giant step towards the further emancipation of our people with the launching of OPU. With this group, we are offering all sons and daughters of Oodua in the UK a platform to contribute their quota to the development of our fatherland. “I am particularly want to thank God Almighty for impressing it on our leader, Otunba (Dr.) Gani Adams, to come up with the formation of the OPU. And as I stand before you today, I promise that every member of the OPU in the UK will be good ambassadors of Yoruba people, both here and at home. “And we are not unaware that that promise goes with a lot of responsibilities. But we make bold to state before our fathers gathered here today that we shall continue fly the flag of our fatherland with pride, be good citizens and contribute to the development of Yoruba nation and Nigeria in general.” The night had all the flavours you can ever get at such gathering by Yoruba sons and daughters. On hand to bring out the flavor were the duo of afro juju music maestro, Sir Shina Peters and fuji act, Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma. From the UK, the OPU train moved to Holland on Saturday September 14, when that country’s chapter was launched with fanfare and pageantry. Welcoming the guests, the Coordinator, OPU, Holland Chapter, Akogun Banji Ojo, said the group is putting plans together to establish a befitting Heritage House in Amsterdam. He promised that the OPU will ensure that the rich and enviable culture and history of the Yoruba is not relegated to the background. Delivering his keynote address, Otunba Gani Adams said the OPU was formed to ensure unity among Yoruba in the Diaspora. He said: “The OPU was set up as a platform to fine-tune the many cords that bind the Yoruba race by increasing the ability and knowledge of our people on how to live in harmony with one another, and to also understand the modern concept of democratic structure, societal value and purposeful leadership. “The OPU was formed to pursue the cause of strengthening the fabric of cohesion and integration of Yoruba land through the promotion of unity and solidarity amongst ourselves, and with the sole mission of empowering the Yoruba people (home and abroad) for effective involvement in creating structures and designing policies and programmes that will serve their interests, and ultimately enable them contribute to the development process and enjoy the benefits there from.” Shortly before unveiling the OPU logo, Otunba Adams urged the members to always have it at the back of the minds that they are true sons and daughters of Oduduwa, and so should see themselves as ambassadors of the Yoruba race anywhere they find themselves. In her address, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Holland, Ambassador Nimota Akanbi, the Special guest of honour at the event, called on Nigerians resident in the Netherland to stay away from crime and protect the good image of Nigeria in whatever they do. Ambassador Akanbi said the doors of the Nigerian embassy are open to any Nigerian with immigration problem, and maintained that the unity of Nigeria is the responsibility of every Nigerian, irrespective of tribe or religion. The Royal Father of the day, HRM Oba Yisa Olanipekun, Zaki of Arigidi Akoko, Ondo State, while praying for the success of Yoruba in the Diaspora, urged OPU members to always ‘remember the son of whom you are’. A documentary on Yoruba political evolution added spice to an already charged night, as guests sat glued to their seats throughout the duration of the documentary. Two governors from the southwest, Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola and his Ekiti State counterpart, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, were honoured with Leadership Awards at the event. Governor Aregbesola was represented by Hon. Bola Ilori, while Mr. Wale Ojo-Lanre received the award on behalf of Governor Fayemi. Representatives of other ethnic groups like the Edo and Igbo communities turned out to give their moral support to their countrymen. The next stop was France, where the OPU berthed on Wednesday, September 11, with all the trappings of Yoruba culture and tradition. Yoruba people resident in France did not disappoint, as they roped out to receive Otunba Adams and his team. The crowd of about 2000 that showed up at the Grammont center, Rouen, France, proved that they were indeed ready to move their fatherland forward, starting with the presentation of an award to Otunba Gani Adams, for his effort to bring about unity among the Yoruba in the Diaspora. Shortly before the unveiling of the logo, Otunba Adams urged the people to be steadfast and remain united, stressing that their unity will bring about development to Yoruba land. The night was rounded off with a sterling performance by Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma. The last leg of the launch held at Kurt-Schumacherplat Z, Berlin, Germany, on Friday, September 13. Not willing to be outdone by their counterparts in other parts of Europe, OPU members in Germany rolled out the drums to make the final leg of the launch of OPU in Europe a huge success. Otunba Gani Adams continued with his call on Yoruba in the Diaspora to unite and work for the development of Yoruba land. Oba Yisa Olanipekun also showered royal blessings on the people, and advised them to see one another as one family. With the OPU firmly rooted in major European countries, the events were finally rounded off with beautiful display of Yoruba culture, while Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma treated the guests to wonderful fuji tunes.
Posted on: Mon, 30 Sep 2013 10:38:43 +0000