Alaafin of Oyo urges OPU members to support Gani Adams

His Imperial Majesty, Alaafin of Oyo Kingdom, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi Olayiwola, has urged the members of “Oodua Progressives Union” (OPU) to embrace unity and ensure that they lend needed support to galvanise the effort of the leader, Otunba Gani Adams, to revamp the Yoruba tradition as well as bring development to the land.

The foremost traditional ruler gave the advise today at the kick-off of the 3rd Annual Delegate Congress of the OPU, at the Oyo Town Hall.

The traditional monarch who had earlier received members of OPU, accompanied by the officials of National Executive Council, NEC and the National Coordinating Council, NCC, members of the Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, in his palace, took members of the groups through memory lane to highlight the beauty of Yoruba culture and the gains of loyalty to authorities.

“One person must lead a group. And since Otunba Gani Adams is the one chosen by God to lead you, it behoves on all of you to use the potentials you have to support his office. You need to give him the needed cooperation to make him deliver the goods. You need to be unwavering in your support for him and the organisations you represent,” he said.

The Iku Baba Yeye, as the Oyo traditional ruler is being eulogised, admonishes his visitors, particularly the members of the OPU, to always be good ambassadors in their country of residence and ensure that their children and wards are brought up to cherish the culture, tradition and moral values of the Yoruba.

He praised Otunba Adams for being a pillar in the Yoruba race and commended his efforts towards the preservation of the Yoruba rich culture.

“Many will come to my palace and the door would be locked against them while some would come and will meet the doors thrown open. In the case of Gani Adams, we see him more of our son and I am so proud of him,” the Alafin said.

Adams who was also accosted to the palace of the Alafin by the Zaki of Arigidi Akoko, his home town, His Royal Majesty, Oba Yisa Olanipekun, was treated to palace entertainment to the delight of the OPU members who took turn to pay obeisance to the highly revered Yoruba Oba.

At the town hall gathering, the Alafin took time to pay glowing tribute to the Yoruba forefathers for their native wisdom and bravery that brought about speedy development to the race, noting that the Yoruba has been in the vanguard of development long before the amalgamation that brought about the present Nigeria.

“The Yoruba has scored many first in key areas of human endeavours. The first medical doctor, first engineer, first dentist, first woman to drive a car, etc, were all Yoruba,” he stressed.

He also narrated to the admiration of the OPU and OPC members, the mysticism associated with the race and the myths that makes the Yoruba land the repository of sound culture and rich moral values.

With the Alaafin, to receive the groups led by Adams are: former Governor of Oyo State, Dr Victor Olunloyo and the Oyo-Mesi Council of Chiefs.

The event was also attended by Dr Lekan Ayantuji, who was Guest Speaker and Gideon Adegbemiga Alade, who represented the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, at the occasion.