Oodua Progressive Union Has Become a Global Phenomenon- Otunba Gani Adams

Oodua Progressive Union an international Yoruba socio- cultural organization which aims at creating a global platform for the advancement of Yoruba, language culture and tradition on Tuesday hold the 2nd annual world congress in Ile Ife.

OPU which started in 2011 was an initiatives of the National coordinator of the Oodua Peoles Congress OPC Otunba Gani Adams and has been established in over 63 countries across the world

The  world congress which was tagged Ife 2016  was held at Hotel De Treasure Ile Ife and was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life including prominent traditional rulers in Yorubaland, scholars,  professionals in the maritime and aviation industries  among others

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the initiator who is also the chief promoter of Olokun festival foundation Otunba Gani Adams said  “since the last summit which was held at Lagos Airport Hotel Ikeja Lagos in 2015, the organization have made tremendous progress as a group and our footprints are noticeable across the world “

“ Since its formation in 2011,Oodua Progressive Union has become a global phenomenon with branches  in 63 countries  across the world and no fewer than 23 branches are still in the pipeline”

“Today  we have established the Oodua Voice, an international radio and broadcasting outfit that Promotes Yoruba Language and propagate our Unique culture, our plan this year is to establish a  very big  African restaurant  and supermarket in a country in Europe and do something that will boost our membership economically in other continent ‘

“As the convener and initiator, of this group, I am proud to say it confidently that anywhere and  anytime that OPU has created a  formidable platform for the Yoruba race and we will continue to set pace for  the Unity of the Yoruba.”

While disclosing on the new agenda of the association Otunba Gani Adams said “ we want to  make history as a group and we will like  to be part of the transformation agenda of the Yoruba Nation therefore, the Oodua progressive Union branches  in all continent should build  historical monument in each of  each of the the south west  state. With all this facilities in place, I believe we can attracts tourists from all over the world to Yoruba land and Nigeria’.

While commending  traditional rulers particularly the Alaafin of Oyo and  Ooni of Ife and  the south west governors  for the move on  Unity and peace in Yorubaland, otunba Adams said “  Our unity is  sacred, it goes beyond political affiliation and politicking, the overall interest of the Yoruba race is greater than  our different individual interests”

“ With this new development , it is no doubt that the Yoruba nation have found  a common  identity and goal towards developing  a sustainable economic  integration in the southwest region”.

Some of the traditional rulers who spoke at the event remarks that the traditional rulers are also ready to support any move that will enhance the advancement and stability of Yorubaland

Also in her remarks professor Mrs Sophie Oluwole who represented the Chairman of the occasion Chief Olu Falae urge the OPU members not to limit their operation on Yoruba culture and tradition to the people in the diaspora alone but also ensure that the home front also benefited from their activities

Yoruba nation was atop of others in the past because we gives room for so many thinks which was later adopted and modernized by western World but we can also help our race by ensuring  material and intellectual culture development  of the yoruba people.

The guest lecturer  Mr Kolawole Adio  The chif executive office  of  international college of Aeronautic  who spoke on  ‘introducing  LEAN THINKING to Oodua progressive Union  charges the association on the need to ensure effective  leadership  so as to sustain the growth and expansion of the association.

Tope Eluyefa

A DAY INSIDE OBA ABOLARIN FIVE-STAR HOTEL-SCHOOL FOR THE POOREST

Tope Eluyefa and HRM Oba Adedokun Abolarin

As part of efforts to contribute towards national development, in line with the accepted fact that education is a stepping stone to greatness, a first class traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin, Aroyinkeye II, Orangun of Oke-Ila, Ifedayo Local Government, Osun State, has set the standard for sustainable development, by establishing the Oba Abolarin School, located at Bamikole Dada way, off Oduduwa Road, Sapakin Area.

The school, which is best described as one of its kind in terms of structure, quality of education offered, and the unique attribute of providing education for the less privileged, targets street children, motorcycle operators, as well as those financially handicapped to access quality education.

A day with Oba Abolarin in Oke Ila is not a waist of time on January 19, 2016 when he kabiyesi in his royalty and aura drove the team personally to the school named Oba Abolarin College, located along Bamikole Dada way,off Oduduwa road, Sapakin area Oke Ila orangun in Osun State.

The serene environment create a sense of natural phenomenon which aides any learning process and study.

The school has a beautiful dining hall, well furnished hostel rooms for the boys and girls, classrooms with exquisite and the latest school desk  and chair, Staff room, library with a sizable hall that tells story of history;  Nigeria before and after independence.

Oba Adedokun Abolarin college is built and dedicated for children on the street and children from vulnerable homes at no cost at all.

Surprise is it? Speaking during the visit, Kabiyesi, Oba Abolarin explained that every child counts and have right to good life and sound education which he is leaving no stone unturn to ensure the children are successful.

"The school is basically for the poor, these are sons and daughters of bricklayer, farmer, pepper sellers, Okada riders and so on, who have little or no access to good and sound education". Oba Abolarin said.

The students who are draen from the town Oke Ila, Aagba, Ororuwo, Ada and all otjer neighbouring towns, presently consists of 28 boys and 27 girls.

The students enjoys the ambience of good life, provided with 2 pairs of uniform, two pairs of houseware, shoes, socks, school bags  and the height of it is the mini- laptop for each students all for free.

Oba Abolarin explained that, the students are his children and he must make sure they all have a better way of life if not the best in the future.

He said, "I have determined to built my own mission in these children instead of gallivanting or showing off at events and parties, I have the responsibility to build a future with my resources so that our society can enjoy freedom from liabilities, crime and waywardness'.

The students who are culturally, educationally and morally sound are trained with the best tools of modern education materials.

The classrooms tells a story of a high taste of decency and conducive learning environment and a replica of a standard British school.

While delivering his motivational talk, titled "Dream it, Have it". Wale ojo Lanre, the Associate Editor of Nigerian Tribune  narrated how hawk locust beans for his grandmother whom he stays with from a town called Usi to Ido, Ijero, Ilogbo and other neighboring towns on bare foot.

"While I was hawking, I have a dream to be successful while I do not allow my present situation to take always my dream, today I have the things I want, I have been all around the world and I live comfortably because I dream it, I work hard and I have it" Ojo Lanre said.

Sharing their experiences, the students narrated how they vomited Coker oat, cornflakes and indomie in the school to show their background and the kind of homes the students come from.

The Abolarin College students are today having a good life, looking radiants.

Adewole Ronke who have a dream o becoming a lawyer explained that he heard about the school from someone and he collected the form free of charge and she got admitted. Saying," I wouldn't have a better life if not for Kabiyesi".

John Chigozie who wants to be a civil Engineer is an Igbo boy, a son of a farmer and trader, said he is living like a prince now unlike when he thought is no hope again when is in the street.

"I am happy to be here Kabiyesi has restore the hope of the hopeless and I pray that he will never lack"

Ajinba Dolapo a JSS 2 student at Oba Abolarin said she has not seen or heard of a school with high standard of learning and living are all free of charge. "My father is a farmer and my mum is a Petty trader but I have hope again that I can be what I want to be and I have a dream to become a broadcaster".

These are few children who tells their stories, after the school hour the children returns to their dormitories and change to the houseware and the girls among them went into the kitchen to assist in preparing the lunch.

Oba Okunade Sijuwade Hall was tastefully as the students dinning hall, boys are setting the table and it is indeed a total rehabilitation for the sons and daughters of farmer, auto mechanic, petty traders to handle cutleries very well to eat the food deliciously prepared from the kitchen.

After the lunch the students did not leave like that without packing the plates, washed and clean their environment.

Speaking, His royal majesty, Oba Adedokun Abolarin explained furthered that government can not do it alone and that is why I will advice other well meaning meaning Nigerians to emulate this kind of project.

The school hall, best described as a hall of photo history, hosts historical pictures that tell and teach the students stories of politics and national life, as well as international entities who have contributed to global development.

Students of the school are a wonderful lot and will dazzle any visitor as they welcome people in fluent English. There are also performances as well as recitations in near-perfect French language.

‘We are training a globally acceptable set of students’

Speaking on the setting up of the school, Oba Abolarin stated that “We are training a globally acceptable set of students. UNESCO has declared English, French and Spanish as the three internationally recognised languages. Thus, we are preparing them to tap into the benefits of the world.”

HISTORY BECKONS ON OBA ABOLARIN HAS HE DISCOVER WATERFALL IN OKE ILA ORANGUN

When a righteous man reigns, the rat breeds joyfully in the bush fish will consummate freely  like a fish inside the river while human earns  blessing from heaven, procreate bountifully, prosper lavishly,  enjoys life abundantly and blossoms in deeds, acts and words

These have been the lots of the indigenes and people of Oke-Ila Orangun, Ifedayo Local Government, Osun State, since the enthronement of Oba Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin, Aroyinkeye 11 as the king of the hitherto sleepy agrarian historic town.

One of the turning points which the town has witnessed since day one of his ascension of the throne is the reversal of the epithet “Sleepy’ which has been the adjunct for the town whenever it is  being referred to or mentioned in any article, the ‘sleepy’ adjunct has changed to’ vibrant town.

It is no longer Oke–Ila, the sleepy town in State of Osun, but now Oke–Ila, one of the most vibrant towns in Osun State.”

The vibrancy of Oke–Ila Orangun and its emergence as 21st century development oriented town is not just a wishful desire of momentous brain wave, but a Godly blessing and inspiration of the personality of the fellow who the people selected and who received the mercy of the Lord.

It also confirms the axiom that status of a post does not matter, but the mindset of the occupier.

It is trite that when a small man with small mind is given a house bigger than his size, he may reduce or collapse the house to fit his frame instead of looking or hiring part of it out to generate wealth, but when a big man is forced inside a cocoon because of his body and mind, expands and creates more space for himself and others.

The Bible affirms that when a righteous man reigns, the people rejoice.

Of course, the people of Oke–Ila has causes and reasons to rejoice in having an Oba who has been able to explore his cosmopolitan status in accentuating  their essence of life as proud indigenes and products of Oke–Ila, Who has equally made his people reign and the epicentre of his   rule. In applying his experience to transform the rawness of the environment to vivacity of municipality, has unveiled the socio-cultural tourism potentialities inherent in the community and which have been covered, buried and trampled upon in the past for the glory and respect of the people and the town.

Without missing his focus, Oba Adedokun started with the Isinro Festival, a pre-historical generational festival of culture, dance and tradition of the Oke-Ila people which his people have been hosting annually since the emergence of the town, but which its celebration has been localised and restricted.

Oba Abolarin said this must not be. And since, it has never be, Oba Abolarin has raised the bar of the celebration of Isinro   festival from a mere community convivial traditional festival to an international carnival of culture, tradition and communal reunion which attracts thousands of tourists and well wishers yearly to the town.

The internationalisation of Isinro festival by Oba Abolarin has cultivated the attention and focus from government and individual investors and has attracted to the town the establishment of another petrol station in responding to the quests of unceasing tourists as well as government of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola  in tarring  the road network in the town.

The Ayinkunugba  Waterfall, one of the most soulful and thrilling waterfalls  in Nigeria is planted in the town by nature, but it takes the grace of God and the persistent value added efforts of Oba Abolarin that has helped in achieving the modicum of publicity and the cry for enhancement which this unquantifiable natural blessing has got recently.

The good news again from the vibrant town of Oke–Ila Orangun is the fact that Oba Abolarin’s  penchant for  digging out the natural blessing of the town has again yielded a stunning discovery of another waterfall in Oke–Ila!

This waterfall is shielded  away by a heavy, thick jungle of Ogan Forest which is located on the right part of the Oke –Ila Orangun bound road.

Oba Adedokun could not hide his feeling at the discovery of the waterfall and thus, he personally  led the writer  and other tourism buffs including the palace staff into the thick forest of Ogan.

Getting to the site of the waterfall provides an insight into Oba Abolarin’s favourite tourism slogan “RURAL TOURISM”.

For the path to the waterfall harbours exciting ground for picnic, carnival under the canopy of plants and romantic spots .

The evidence of the fall was felt  by our ear’s drum which was hit by the sound of the fall on the floor.

“Kabiyesi, we are closer to the fall “Tope Eluyefa, one of the journalists on the trip noted.

 The just discovered waterfall though located in steep gorge offers different features from Ayinkunugba.

 It is only   accessible through the peak of a hill which offers a spectacular view of a fall down the stairs but having about four naturally  created swimming pool spots as it heads down in torrents.

The waterfall in Ogan Forest will adequately cater for picnickers and film makers who will find its features useful for the advancement of their endeavours.

Oba Abolarin who offered special prayers and thanked God for the blessing of the fall revealed that “It is not that we are unaware of water here, yes, there is Ogan water, but we never knew there is a fall here. We never knew that the fall is as beautiful as this. We never knew that we are again blessed by Almighty God with another fantastic natural tourism site. We never knew the magnitude of this fall, with unique features different from Ayinkunugba Waterfall”

He disclosed “I am happy about this. I will take the necessary step to intimate the chairman of my local government and also inform the Governor of the state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola who has been so good to this town  about the new discovery. I thank my progenitors, the founder of this town, for locating us in a land full of blessings and natural wonders”.

Oba Adeyeye offers 20,000 widows job; Set to Declare Ife Tourism Zone Feb. 26

His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja 11, the Ooni of Ife, is set to declare Ife as a tourism zone in furtherance of his promise to foster peace and unity and bring economic prosperity to his people by opening up Ife to the world through tourism.

Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi chief consultant on tourism, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, who is also the President of La Campagne Tropicana and Motherland Beckons, disclosed this recently.

Otunba Akinboboye explained that, the plans has reached the top gear to declare Ife a tourism zone on February 26 by Arole Oduduwa and kick start the development of the zone into a tourism destination of world class standard.

He said one of such tourism and hospitality is the new N7.6 billion Ife Grand Resort establish by Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi in his quest to create jobs and empower the youths of Ifeland.

Also in line with his resolve to foster peace and unity amongst his people and put to rest the ghost of the over 200 year old conflict between Ife – Modakeke community, Ooni of Ife puts aside all protocols and barriers recently to attend the Modakeke Day celebration as he announced the employment of 20, 000 widows from the over 40, 000 widows recorded in the last Ife – Modakeke crisis to work in the tourism zone project with a promise to absolve the remaining 20, 000 widows alongside the teeming population of unemployed as the project gathers attractions and grow bigger.

Ooni Ogunwusi, who is a business czar and the owner of a multi-billion naira Inagbe  Grand Resort, one of the few privately run resorts located across Lagos waters, has from the first day of assumption of office not hidden his resolve to elevate the historical and abundant cultural wealth of his people and town by opening it to the world through massive investment in tourism related projects, which are aimed at transforming Ife from a mere tourism attraction to a mega tourism destination.

The Ooni’s attendance at the last Modakeke Day celebration has been hailed by many people as a deft move by the Kabiyesi to finally bury the Ife – Modakeke intermittent conflict that has lingered for over 200 years as this has never been done by any Ooni in the past 200 years, as attending Akoraiye Day Modakeke, is a way of not only healing the wounds of the past but also clearing the negative past and replacing it with a prosperous future through tourism.

Also as part of the grand design to secure life and property in Ife, the Kabiyesi has approved the construction of a watch tower with standby rapid response squad that is fully equipped and which response time to any distress call should not be more than 10 minutes and this time frame hopefully would be cut to five minutes in the days ahead.

Speaking on these new initiatives by the Ooni, Akinboboye, who has also announced the Kabiyesi as the grand patron of Motherland Beckons, said it is a grand design by the Ooni to redesign the tourism map and agenda of Ife by drawing the attention of Africans, the Diaspora and the entire globe to it in a way that has never been done in the history of the former Ife Kingdom, which is not only regarded as the Source of Yoruba but the cradle of South west civilisation.

According to him, “the glory of Ife is finally coming to light. Ife is now the new destination inAfrica as the sleeping giant of tourism in Africa wakes up to a new reality,” insisting that henceforth the whole world would come to Ife on religious, cultural, economic,  educational, and archaeological  tourism among others, as the new Ooni constructs a new agenda for  the kingdom of Ile Ife.

Akinboboye revealed that the declaration ceremony and the kick off for motherland beckons has been fixed for February 27 with the president of Black Lawyers in England and Wales, Peter Herbert, billed to deliver the key note address while the chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) America, among a host of other dignitaries are expected at the event.This development from the palace, he said is in partnership with La Campagne with Motherland Beckons serving as a multi – purpose vehicle for bringing to fruition the agenda of the Ooni.

Tope Parrot

His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja 11, the Ooni of Ife, is set to declare Ife as a tourism zone in furtherance of his promise to foster peace and unity and bring economic prosperity to his people by opening up Ife to the world through tourism.

Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi chief consultant on tourism, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, who is also the President of La Campagne Tropicana and Motherland Beckons, disclosed this recently.

Otunba Akinboboye explained that, the plans has reached the top gear to declare Ife a tourism zone on February 26 by Arole Oduduwa and kick start the development of the zone into a tourism destination of world class standard.

He said one of such tourism and hospitality is the new  N7.6 billion Ife Grand Resort establish by Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi in his quest to create jobs and empower the youths of Ifeland.

Also in line with his resolve to foster peace and unity amongst his people and put to rest the ghost of the over 200 year old conflict between Ife – Modakeke community, Ooni of Ife puts aside all protocols and barriers recently to attend the Modakeke Day celebration as he announced the employment of 20, 000 widows from the over 40, 000 widows recorded in the last Ife – Modakeke crisis to work in the tourism zone project with a promise to absolve the remaining 20, 000 widows alongside the teeming population of unemployed as the project gathers attractions and grow bigger.

Ooni Ogunwusi, who is a business czar and the owner of a multi-billion naira Inagbe  Grand Resort, one of the few privately run resorts located across Lagos waters, has from the first day of assumption of office not hidden his resolve to elevate the historical and abundant cultural wealth of his people and town by opening it to the world through massive investment in tourism related projects, which are aimed at transforming Ife from a mere tourism attraction to a mega tourism destination.

The Ooni’s attendance at the last Modakeke Day celebration has been hailed by many people as a deft move by the Kabiyesi to finally bury the Ife – Modakeke intermittent conflict that has lingered for over 200 years as this has never been done by any Ooni in the past 200 years, as attending Akoraiye Day Modakeke, is a way of not only healing the wounds of the past but also clearing the negative past and replacing it with a prosperous future through tourism.

Also as part of the grand design to secure life and property in Ife, the Kabiyesi has approved the construction of a watch tower with standby rapid response squad that is fully equipped and which response time to any distress call should not be more than 10 minutes and this time frame hopefully would be cut to five minutes in the days ahead.

Tope Eluyefa with the consultant and President La Campagne Tropicanal,
Wanle Akinboboye

Speaking on these new initiatives by the Ooni, Akinboboye, who had announced the Kabiyesi as the grand patron of Motherland Beckons, said it is a grand design by the Ooni to redesign the tourism map and agenda of Ife by drawing the attention of Africans, the Diaspora and the entire globe to it in a way that has never been done in the history of the former Ife Kingdom, which is not only regarded as the Source of Yoruba but the cradle of South west civilisation.

According to him, “the glory of Ife is finally coming to light. Ife is now the new destination inAfrica as the sleeping giant of tourism in Africa wakes up to a new reality,” insisting that henceforth the whole world would come to Ife on religious, cultural, economic,  educational, and archaeological  tourism among others, as the new Ooni constructs a new agenda for  the kingdom of Ile Ife.

Akinboboye revealed that the declaration ceremony and the kick off for motherland beckons has been fixed for February 27 with the president of Black Lawyers in England and Wales, Peter Herbert, billed to deliver the key note address while the chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) America, among a host of other dignitaries are expected at the event.This development from the palace, he said is in partnership with La Campagne with Motherland Beckons serving as a multi – purpose vehicle for bringing to fruition the agenda of the Ooni.

Real Reason Ooni Ojaja Visits Alaafin of Oyo

The historic visit of the Arole Oodua, Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, to the 45th thanksgiving service of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Alaafin of Oyo held at Methodist church cathedral, Paara Oyo and to the palace of Oyo Alaafin has continue to generate many discuss among the historians and other concerned members of the public.

The visit of Oba Adeyeye,though not invited for the one week coronation anniversary of Kabiyesi Alaafin will forever remain in the history of Yoruba and the black race till eternity.

Facts have continue to emerged on why Ooni of Ife paid an unscheduled visit on a very strategic day being the grand finale of Oba Adeyemi, Alaafin of Oyo's thanksgiving service.

Arole Oodua revealed that the main reason why he paid the historic visit was to deliver a divine message giving to him while enthrone the seat of his forefathers.

Oba Adeyeye Enitan said the visit was to do what was supposed to have been done several decades ago.

He laid emphasis on it that all Yorubas must come together and unite as one if the black nation wants to experience meaningful development.


Ooni of Ife who was accompanied to the 45ththanksgiving service of Alaafin by over 100 monarchs across all Yoruba land believe that with the support of all obas in the Yoruba land, there will be  unity in Nigeria and by extension their will be unity and peace all over the world.

Among royal fathers who accompanied Arole Oodua includes Orangun of Ila, Ajero of Ijero. Timi Of Ede, Akinrun of Ikinrun, Olu of Yewa, Alara of Aramoko, Oore of Otun, Alayemore of Efon Alaye among others.