Yoruba take cultural renaissance to Ghana, Togo,?Cote d’Ivoire

Major cities in Ghana, Togo, Cote d ‘Ivoire and other cities in the West African coast recently had a full dose of Yoruba culture and tradition when several culture enthusiasts and monarchs stormed the cities as part of a 32-man strong team for the launch of the Oodua Progressives Union (OPU), a pan-Yoruba group for Yoruba people in the Diaspora.

On the team were four traditional rulers from Yoruba land- Oba Joseph Adeoye Adewole, the Owa Ajero of Ijero kingdom, Oba Yisa Olanipekun, the Zaki of Arigidi, Ondo State, Oba Walidu Sanni, the Onigedegede of Igedegede, Ondo State and Oba Lasisi Olawuyi, the Asagangan of Igangan, Oyo State.

Other dignitaries on the team included Otunba Gani Adams, National Coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and convener of the OPU; Captain Adetokunbo Adesina; Yoruba actor, Yomi Fash–Lanso; MC kirikiri and other notable members of the OPC.

In each of these cities, the Yoruba joyfully received the team with the wonderful display of cultural dance, drumming, chants which enchanted and attracted the citizens of the countries to the venues

The cultural evangelization kicked off on Friday, September 11 in the city of Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire , a country where Yoruba constitute 2.5 million 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, held a red carpet reception for the visiting Yoruba cultural revivalists.

Otunba Adams explained the mission of his delegates to the ambassador. “We are not here for political reason. Far from it. We are neither here for self – determination tendencies, but we are here to stoke and re- kindle the dying embers of the pristine Yoruba cultural values and heritage which are tending towards extinction, particularly among the Yoruba in the Diaspora, “he said.

He continued: “We realise that Cote D ‘Ivoire harbours a substantial percentage of Yoruba, some of who cannot speak their mother’s language or exhibit their cultural values. Some here have lost contact with history, culture and norms of their ancestors. This is why we are here in accordance with the mission bestowed on us by Oduduwa and the necessity of saving members of the Yoruba race from cultural extinction.“

Adams explained the difference between the OPC and OPU. “The OPC is a self-determination group solely to protect the territorial integrity of Yoruba within the political geography of Nigeria and within Nigeria, while the 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. It is non- political and non –militant, “he said.

Oba Adewole also gave an insight into the cultural revival mission of the OPU. He said: “ This association is to save our race from cultural doom. It is an association which has received the backing and blessing of the 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 gave her blessing to the inauguration of the Union. “I am sure and confident that the 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“

Ambassador Akabogu – Chinwuba, who presented a plaque of honour to Otunba Adams and other four traditional rulers, declared her support for the union. “We are here at the embassy for the protection and welfare of Nigerians here. We cannot and shall not shy away from this responsibility. We assure the OPU of our support and assistance now and always as our doors are opened for progressive associations and unions which strive to add value and shore up the image of Nigeria. I welcome you to Cote D ‘ivoire and wish you a successful inauguration of the OPU in Abidjan,“she said.

Welcoming the Oodua cultural revivalists to Sport De Treichville, Abidjan, where a mass of gaily-dressed Yoruba and their friends had gathered for the inauguration of the OPU, Mr kareem Nasir Adeolu, Coordinator, OPU 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 in Cote D ‘Ivoire. 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 for this and we delightfully welcome Otunba Adams , his entourage and the OPU wholeheartedly to our midst.”

He commended Otunba Adams for “bringing to us a cultural association which will further cement and fasten the chord of brotherhood amongst the Yoruba in Cote D ‘Ivoire.”

Otunba Adams, while inaugurating the OPU Cote D ‘Ivoire on Saturday, September 12, pointed out that: “This is a clarion call upon all of you to remember, embrace, perpetuate and display your cultural antecedent and value and ensured its passage to the next generations, so that generations unborn will not lose their identity to foreigners.“

He charged members of the OPU to “always keep in mind that you are the image of Yoruba. You are the light of the race and cultural ambassadors of Yoruba whatever your conduct and traits here.”

Mr Olumuyiwa Ogundeme, Consular Officer ,Nigerian Embassy, Cote D ‘Ivoire, who represented Ambassador Akabogu – Chinwuba, while commending Otunba Adams said 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 constitute their identity at the comity of nations. I am also assuring you that the embassy is willing to support the OPU in its activities and others positive acts which will bring honour to the race and Nigeria.“

The story was the same in Ghana where the team was warmly received by the Yoruba community with pomp and pageantry. The President of the Yoruba community in Ghana, Chief Musa Baba, hosted the group in his posh house in Accra to a memorable dinner.

Chief Baba pointed out that: “We have also read a lot about the OPU and quite appreciate and understand what it stands for. You are the cultural messiah that the Yoruba has been waiting for. Like you did with the OPC, we are sure you will do more and you have started doing more than enough with the OPU. We are more than ready for this wonderful race-saving association.“

Chief Baba, on behalf of the Yoruba community in Ghana, later presented a plaque to Otunba Adams.

At the formal launch of the group, the Hall 2 of the National Arts Theatre, Liberia Road which was filled to capacity on Friday, September 18.

Ghana-based Nigerian lecturer, Professor Raheem Kolawole, who teaches at the Winneba University, Ghana, was on hand to add colour to the show.

The acting Coordinator of the OPU in Ghana, Mr Kayode Siyanbola, was full of praises for the visiting team. He said: “I thank you all, especially Otunba Adams, giving us the courage and the necessary support in bringing out the strength in us to promote our culture and heritage and in hosting you today. “

In Togo, the Yoruba community refused to be outshined by their kinsmen in Ghana. And so, they turned out in large numbers at the beautifully decorated hall at the Palaise De Congress De Lome, Republic of Togo, on Sunday, September 20 for the inauguration.

The inauguration of the OPU in Togo was spearheaded by His Royal Majesty, Oba Alhaji Kareem Afolabi, Amoloko 1 of Togo, who is the paramount oba of Yoruba in Togo.

The Nigerian ambassador in Togo, Mr Gilbert Nnaji, added colour to the inauguration and commended Adams for upholding and promoting the culture and tradition of Yoruba.

Ambassador Nnaji, who was visibly elated by the inauguration of the OPU , said: “I am opportune to share the same table with Otunba Adams, a great Nigerian and a Yoruba icon.”

He congratulated the Yoruba community in Togo. “I congratulate you 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.“

Six-year-old Akinpelu Seinat stole the show when she recited a popular poem to the admiration of the crowd.

Otunba Adams, in his speech, pointed out that, “this chapter makes the number of the OPU chapters 61._ I must commend you for your brilliance at planning and wonderful implementation which should be the benchmark for the OPU in Togo.“