A Yoruba Social Cultural group, Oodua Peoples Congress
(OPC), has announced the abolition of “factions” in its fold.
OPC noted with regret that the hitherto factions led by Dr.
Fredrick Fasehun and Otunba Gani Adams respectively was “a vain of unity and
development in Yorubaland”.
In a communique issued and signed by the trio of OPC
chieftains, Comrade Razaq Arogundade, Comrade Dare Adesope and Hon. Mutiu
Balogun Ololade and made available to journalists in Ibadan on Monday after
participating in the Yoruba Unity Retreat organised by Yoruba Leadership and
Peace Initiative in Ibadan, the congress said OPC is now one with no allegiance
to any of the two leaders.
“The Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) is now one with no
allegiance to any of the two leaders for the peace, greatness and development
of Yoruba Nation”.
The communique urged all Yoruba sons and daughters, Yoruba
leaders and the
entire citizens of Nigeria, “to henceforth see Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, as one with no affiliation to any faction or any of the two leaders who have mortgaged the future of Yoruba Nation for their own selfish interests.”
entire citizens of Nigeria, “to henceforth see Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, as one with no affiliation to any faction or any of the two leaders who have mortgaged the future of Yoruba Nation for their own selfish interests.”
It declared that, “The entire members of the group have
equally resolved to relieve the erstwhile leaders, Dr Fredrick Faseun and
Otunba Gani Adams of their positions.”
“We decided to make this decision in the interest of all
Yoruba sons and daughters as these two leaders have failed Yoruba
Nation due to political partisanship which had been a cog in the wheel of
development of Yoruba Nation”.
“As Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, is now one; we have
resolved to defend Yoruba Nation from any form of attack either internal or
external attacks. Any attempt by any tribe, group or people to attack, molest
or tamper with the fundamental human rights of Yoruba sons and daughters will
be met with equal response from Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC.
“We equally commend Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi (III)
for clarifying the controversy making round on the instalment of new Aare Ona
Kakanfo. The position of the first class Oba on the issue has
shown that the royal father is an upholder of merit as the position is not for charlatans and morally bankrupt individuals.
shown that the royal father is an upholder of merit as the position is not for charlatans and morally bankrupt individuals.
“The entire members of Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC equally
condemn some persons of questionable characters who have been parading
themselves as the next Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land. As such
misleading members of the public.
misleading members of the public.
“We are also calling on Oodua descendants both at home and
in the Diaspora that reformation is on going in the organization now and we
welcome advice, suggestions or any form of contributions that will bring about
positive transformation to the organization from concern descendants in any
part of the world. United we stand and divided we fall. We are ever ready to
work with all other Oodua groups in other to get to the Promised Land”.
By Daramola Adebayo
