By Lukman Olabiyi
In a dramatic turn of events, the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) has transitioned from renting spaces to owning a landmark building.
On August 27, the OPC celebrated a monumental achievement; the official commissioning of the Oodua House, a one billion naira legacy project that marks a key milestone in the organization’s 30-year history.
The Oodua House, situated on Ezekiel Street in Ikeja, is more than just a new building; it symbolizes the OPC’s enduring dedication to advancing the Yoruba people and preserving their cultural heritage.
Adorned in blue; a color representing unity and strength, the building stands as a beacon of progress and a tangible manifestation of the OPC’s vision for community growth and development.
The commissioning ceremony was a significant affair, attended by a range of distinguished guests, including government officials, traditional rulers, and members of the OPC.
The project has been described as a beacon of progress and a physical manifestation of the OPC’s vision for growth and development.
The ceremony featured speeches highlighting the importance of the Oodua House in fostering unity among the Yoruba people, promoting cultural heritage, and supporting community initiatives.
The newly inaugurated Oodua House will serve as the operational hub for the OPC, Oodua Progressive Union (OPU), Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF), and the South West Security Stakeholders, among others.
The building is also expected to serve as a central hub for various OPC activities, including educational programmes, cultural events, and community outreach.
Iba Gani Adams, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland and the national coordinator of OPC, reflected on the challenging journey that led to this accomplishment.
He recalled the struggles faced by the OPC, including frequent evictions from rented offices in Palm Avenue, Mushin, and other locations. These difficulties, Adams noted, underscored the necessity of securing a permanent home for the organization.
Adams recounted the early days of the OPC, including their operations under trees in Olusoga Street, Mushin, and their subsequent moves to various rented offices.
“I will try to narrate how we started running office under the tress in Olusoga Street, Mushin, later move to Palm Avenue, Onipanu, Palmgrove; along Ikorodu Road, to John Olugbo Street, Ikeja, and from John Olugbo to this present place, what we passed through, how we raised money, how we are determined that we must have a permanent secretariat.
“It was not an easy journey, but it was as a result of contributions from members and our organisations in the diaspora, the Oodua Progressive Union, and OPC,” he said.
The new Oodua House is not just a physical structure; it represents the broader ambitions of the OPC. Adams revealed ongoing and completed projects across the Southwest, including an 800-capacity hall in Olusoga Street, Mushin, and a hotel in Abeokuta, Ogun State. He emphasized the organization’s goal to establish similar halls in each Southwest state to host events and further promote Yoruba culture.
“We have a lot of projects ongoing. Each of the states in the Southwest must have a hall where we would use to host our events,” he said.
The Yoruba generalissimo, therefore, thanked the Yoruba monarchs for their continued support and prayed for their success.
Speaking after performing the official commissioning of the edifice, Bashorun Peter Oluwole Ogunbayo,
The CEO of Amba Property Ltd, praised the OPC for their dedication to regional security and cultural promotion.
He lauded the Oodua House as a model edifice in Nigeria, showcasing the traditions and cultural identity of the Yoruba people.
“The edifice is a very nice one and a role model in Nigeria, depicting traditions and cultures of the people in the country,” he said.
Royal figures, including Oba Hakeem Agbaosi, Eweobaja 1 of Aguda, and Oba Olusegun Benson, the Olojodu of Ojodu land, also attended the event.
They lauded Adams and the OPC for their leadership and vision, which have culminated in the realization of the organization’s long-held dreams.
The commissioning of the Oodua House stands as a testament to the OPC’s resilience and commitment, marking a new chapter in their journey from tenants to proud property owners.
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