Oodua Progressive Union advocates for Protection of Yoruba Culture and Language
Femi Obafemi
Oodua Progressive Union, OPU, an organisation of Yoruba sons and daughters in diaspora held its second annual World Congress at Ile-Ife, Osun State on Tuesday, January 26, 2016.
The Summit was preceded by a lecture delivered by Mr. Kolawole Adio, CEO, International College of Aeronautic, who is a pilot by profession with over 30years experience in the aviation industry. He spoke on management and leadership lecture titled “Introducing lean thinking to Oodua Progressive Union”. The lecture was chaired by Mrs. Sophie Oluwole, a renowned professor of Language and Arts, Lagos State University.
At the end of the deliberations, the summit agreed that;
1. It noted that Yoruba Culture, Tradition, Value and Norms are fast evaporating in the consciousness and behavioural pattern of Yoruba indigenes home and abroad.
2. That this malaise is heightened by the encroachment and influence of western culture and indoctrination.
3. That the pristine value of the traditional institution is being threatened by the emergence of self appointed and acclaimed head of fraternities who parade themselves, roam the streets and attend occasions with beaded crowns.
4. Also, it views with disgust the proliferation of non-Yoruba ethnic kingship in Yoruba land which has become a threat to peaceful co-existence and anathema to the tradition and culture of Yoruba land.
5. The Summit condoled with the people of Ibadan with the exit of Olubadan of Ibadan and applauded the smooth appointment of a new Olubadan of Ibadan without any rancor.
6. The summit also commended the new Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi (Ojaja 2) and the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi for spearheading the new quest for Yoruba unity.
7. It also applauded the re-integration of Lagos State into the Oodua conglomerate and the subsequent acceptance by Lagos State Government.
8. The summit commended the Yoruba traditional rulers for their support so far towards the establishment of OPU in 63 countries across the globe and noted with pride that the attendance of the traditional rulers at various launching of the OPU, which has not only added values but establish their link to the root of Yoruba land.
9. The summit adopted the establishment of Oodua Heritage centre in all the South West States.
10.The summit called on the Governors of all the South West States to make Yoruba language a compulsory subject in both private and public schools.
11.The summit agreed to launch OPU in at least 23 countries in the year 2016.
12. The summit lauded the convener, Otunba (Dr) Gani Adams for making the OPU housing estate affordable to all members and encourages other members worldwide to avail themselves of this unique opportunity.