Alaafin canvasses support for Gani Adams, calls for unity in OPU, OPC

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

The foremost traditional ruler gave the advise on Saturday January 28 at the kick-off of the third Annual Delegate Congress of the OPU, at the Ojo Town Hall.

The 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 Odd People’s Congress, OPC, in his palace, took members of the groups down memory lane to highlight the beauty of York’s culture and the gains of loyalty to authorities.

“One person must lead a group. And since Others Gani Adams is the one chosen by God to lead you, it behooves on all of you to use the potential 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 organizations you represent,” he said
The Ike Baba Seye, as the Ojo traditional ruler is eulogized, admonished 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 York’s.

He praised Others Adams for being a pillar in the York’s race and commended his efforts towards the preservation of the York’s 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 as our son and I am so proud of him,” the Alvin said.

Adams who was also accompanied to the palace of the Alvin by the Zagi of Argued Akin, his home town, His Royal Majesty, Boa Lisa Olanipekun, was treated to palace entertainment to the delight of the OPU members who took turn to pay obedience to the highly revered York’s Boa.
At the town hall gathering, the Alvin took time to pay glowing tribute to the York’s forefathers for their wisdom and bravery that brought about speedy development to the race, noting that the York’s has been in the vanguard of development long before the amalgamation that brought about the present Nigeria.

“The York’s has scored many first in key areas of human endeavors. The first medical doctor, first engineer, first dentist, first woman to drive a car, etc, were all York’s,” 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 York’s land the repository of sound culture and rich moral values.

With the Alvin to receive the groups were former Governor of Ojo State, Dr Victor Olympic and the Oyster Council of Chiefs.
The event was also attended by Dr Lekan Ayantunji, who was guest speaker and Gideon Adeptest Alade, who represented the Ojo State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism.