. OPC gives succour to families of deceased members

Sunday Ehigiator

The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has urged Nigerians living in South Africa; particularly Yoruba groups and associations, to strengthen unity among themselves, describing it as essential for cultural preservation, social cohesion, and the economic empowerment of the Diaspora community.

Adams made the call at the 10th anniversary celebration of the Oodua Progressive Union (OPU), South Africa chapter, where he emphasised that unity remains the strongest tool for safeguarding Yoruba heritage abroad.

He said a more united Yoruba community in South Africa would be better positioned to advocate  its interests, mobilise resources, and participate effectively in socio-political and economic activities both locally and in relation to Nigeria.

“Unity fosters a strong sense of community and belonging among Yoruba people in South Africa,” Adams said.” 

“It facilitates mutual support, cooperation, and collective action in addressing social, economic, and cultural challenges faced by the diaspora community.”

He stressed that collective efforts remain crucial in preserving Yoruba culture, language, festivals, and traditions among Nigerians abroad. By working together, he said Yoruba heritage would remain vibrant and be passed on to future generations despite distance from home.

Adams also highlighted the importance of teaching indigenous languages to children raised in the Diaspora, saying Yoruba language education is central to maintaining cultural identity and strengthening children’s sense of belonging.

“Teaching Yoruba to children of Nigerians abroad helps preserve their cultural identity and heritage,” he said. “It connects them to their roots, traditions, values, and history.”

In his remarks, National Coordinator of OPU South Africa, Chief Kayode Orenisi,  described the 10th anniversary as a celebration of “a decade of impact, unity, and progress.”

He noted that the organisation was founded to preserve culture, uplift members, and represent the Yoruba nation with dignity.

Orenisi highlighted key achievements of OPU South Africa, including the establishment of member-owned businesses and the launch of a Yoruba School to ensure children can learn the language, sing Yoruba songs, and understand their heritage.

“We have stood together in times of joy and in times of grief; supporting one another as a true family should,” he said. “Above all, we have strengthened our unity, showing that our togetherness is our strength.”

He commended the Global Convener of OPU, Iba Gani Adams, whose leadership he credited for the organisation’s survival and growth over the past decade. He also thanked members for their sacrifices and commitment.

The Olu-Agbegise of Agbegise Kingdom in Ogun State echoed Adams’ call for unity and urged diaspora Nigerians to return home frequently to explore business opportunities and invest in the country.

Similarly, Secretary of Yoruba One Voice (YOV), Prince Ademiluyi Adedokun, and Prince Adedapo Adesanmi praised Adams for his consistent efforts toward cultural preservation and renaissance across the world. Ademiluyi noted that Adams had sacrificed personal resources in the interest of the Yoruba cause and encouraged more Nigerians to support his initiatives.

The anniversary celebration also featured an awards ceremony honouring individuals who have contributed significantly to the growth and vision of OPU South Africa.

Meanwhile, in another development, hundreds of wives and children of deceased members of OPC have been offered varying degrees of financial and material support by the organisation in Lagos. 

The family members, who gathered at the Oodua House in Ikeja, Lagos, at the 2025 Heroes and Heroines Day organised by OPC to honour departed members, went home with cash gifts, food and clothing items.

Leader of OPC and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, thanked the Almighty God for preserving all attendees to witness another edition of the yearly Heroes and Heroines Day. 

Adams, who was represented by the National Administrative Secretary of the OPC and Baarejiroro Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Dauda Asikolaiye, promised that the organisation would continuously offer support to the family the departed members left behind. He also vowed that their families would not be forgotten.

Adams stressed that it was important to always celebrate the departed members of the organisation who died in active service.

According to him,  the annual Heroes and Heroines Day was set aside to honour members who fought various kinds of struggles and wars for the Yoruba race and Nigeria, and lost their lives in the process.

He prayed for the continued repose of their souls, and asked God to stand by the wives, children and family members they left behind.

In his address, Publicity Secretary of the OPC, Barrister Yinka Oguntimehin, noted that the benefits being enjoyed by most members of the OPC today, were as a result of the sacrifices made in the past by the heroes and heroines being celebrated.

“The efforts and labour of our heroes are highly significant to the realisation of democracy in Nigeria, and contributed greatly to the respect still being accorded the Yoruba people in the country today, among other accomplishments.

“Many of our heroes being honoured today were the ones who participated in the June 12 struggle against the military and fought for the democracy Nigerians are all enjoying today,” he recalled.

He enjoined all beneficiaries of the monetary gifts and material support to use it judiciously. He assured them that the OPC would not desert them. He also prayed that the children of all the deceased members will become great people in life and live long in good health.

Prayers, anchored on good health and long life, were later offered by clerics of the three religions – Christianity, Islam and Traditional – for the deceased, their families, and for all members of the organisation.

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