OPU Canada 10th Anniversary: Adams, Yoruba Monarchs say Unity, Culture Promotion Key to Sustaining Identity

The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has called on Nigerians in the Diaspora, especially the Yoruba community, to prioritise the preservation of their culture as a means of sustaining their identity.

Iba Adams made the call while delivering the keynote address at the 10th anniversary of the Oodua Progressive Union (OPU) in Canada.

Adams, who was represented by the Secretary General Worldwide of OPU, Alhaji (Amb.) Luqman Adedire, also urged members to renew their commitment to unity, education, and community development.

The Aare Ona Kakanfo, who is the Global Convener of OPU, emphasised the significance of 10th anniversay milestone as more than just a passage of time but a testament to the resilience, unity, and commitment of Yoruba sons and daughters in Canada.

While noting that the promotion of unity among Yoruba people worldwide remained central to OPU’s mission, he highlighted the importance of unity as the foundation of Yoruba culture, traditions, and values, describing it as a bond that transcends continents and generations.

“In a world often divided, OPU Canada stands as a beacon of solidarity, fostering a vibrant community where every member feels valued and heard.

“Over the past decade, OPU Canada has made remarkable progress. The union’s initiatives have strengthened the Yoruba community’s bonds in Canada and enhanced the visibility of Yoruba culture on the global stage,” Adams said.

He commended the union’s effective membership mobilisation strategies, which he noted have brought together Yoruba people from diverse backgrounds and professions, enriching the union and making it a dynamic and representative body.

He also praised the active engagement of members in cultural, educational, and social programmes, saying it reflected their deep commitment to OPU’s ideals.

A highlight of the celebration was the recognition of OPU Canada’s Yoruba School, described as a vital pillar in preserving and promoting the Yoruba language and culture among younger generations.

Adams observed that language remained the soul of any culture, and by teaching Yoruba to children and youth, the union was ensuring that its rich heritage flourished in the Diaspora.

“The Yoruba School is more than an educational institution; it is a cultural sanctuary where traditions, values, and history are passed down with pride and authenticity,” he said.

He encouraged members to be more active in supporting the Yoruba School, engaging in OPU North America initiatives, and upholding the values that have made OPU Canada a beacon of hope and progress.

“Together, we can ensure that the Yoruba people remain united, proud, and prosperous for generations to come,” he said.

Earlier in his opening address, the National Coordinator of OPU Canada, Prince Olajide Olateru reflected on the union’s journey and achievements, expressing gratitude to God for the progress of the organisation.

He thanked Iba Adams, saying that his visionary leadership has inspired generations and laid the foundation for OPU’s global reach, now spanning over 109 countries.

Prince Olateru described the 10th anniversary not just as a celebration of years but as a tribute to vision, resilience, unity, service, and the collective commitment to preserving Yoruba heritage in Canada and beyond.

He recalled how a vision planted a decade ago has blossomed into a vibrant organisation that serves as a bridge connecting Yoruba people, supporting members, and contributing positively to host communities.

Reflecting on the union’s accomplishments, he highlighted the building of lasting friendships, mutual support during challenging times, promotion of Yoruba culture and traditions, youth empowerment, and strengthened community engagement.

Olateru said that the anniversary theme, “OPU Canada @ 10: Celebrating a Decade of Progress through Human Development, Security, and Community Advancement,” underscored the union’s broader responsibility beyond cultural preservation.

He extended special appreciation to founding members and leaders, including Chief Keke Adams, Mr. Timothy Adeyanju (Oluomo Ekitikete), Otunba Adewale Adepoju (Baba Oodua Worldwide), Ambassador Shola Agboola, and others who laid the foundation of OPU Canada. He also honored the late Madam Olubukola Aina and Madam Odunayo Obasuyi, recognising their sacrifices and contributions.

On his part, the Baba Oodua Worldwide for OPU, Otunba Adewale Adepoju, enjoined members to remain united with purpose, and to continue supporting one another, youth empowerment, cultural preservation, and stronger partnerships to elevate OPU Canada to greater heights in the coming decade.

Adepoju encouraged the younger generation to embrace their heritage with pride and prepare to become future leaders and custodians of Yoruba values.

In his brief remarks, special guest at the occasion, the Oloro of Oro Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye, observed that the 10th anniversary of OPU Canada stood as a powerful reminder of the strength found in unity, the importance of cultural preservation, and the promise of a vibrant future for the Yoruba people worldwide.

The Olora of Ora Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Yekini, who was also a special guest, congratulated members of OPU Canada for reaching the 10th year milestone and praised the idea of investment in human development through the Yoruba school.

“Investing in human development, education, and mentorship, particularly through the Yoruba School, which has been offered free for the past four years, as I am made to understand, is praise-worthy.

“This is a move that will keep helping us as a race to preserve our identity as Yoruba people globally,” he said.

Some of the dignitaries present at the celebration were the North America OPU Coordinator, Hon. Toyin Alowonle, North America OPU Secretary, Otunba Fadeshewa Kemi Olanrewaju; Baba Oodua Canada, Alhaji Rasak Olayiwola; Iya-Oodua Canada, Chief Funmi Olumade; Chairman, Board of Directors, OPU CANADA, Alhaji Saheed Olawoyin; 10th Year Anniversary Committee Chiarman, Hon. Olumide Fatunase; and executive member, North America OPU, Chief Omotunde Balogun.

Others included the Asoju Oba of Oro Kingdom, Hammed Bello; Aremo Onimushin of Remoland, Chief Obafemi Afuwape; OPUCANADA stakeholder & President, EKO LAGOSIAN, Chief Yinka Thanni; executive member, North America OPU, Chief Victor Abolarinde; Hon. Modupe Oyinsan; member, Board of Directors, Sunday Akinremi; OPUCANADA Secretary, Madam Temilola Anuoluwapo; PRO OPUCANADA, Prince Olasunkanmi Adebayo; Mobilisation Secretary, OPUCANADA, Segun Awoniyi; and Vice Chairman, Board of Directors, Madam Ronke Osiyemi