OPC at 30: History will be kind to Gani Adams, says Hamzat
Tamarauemi Ebimini
The Akinrogun Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Kazeem Hamzat has said that Yoruba history will always be kind to the Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams for transforming the Yoruba socio-cultural group into a vibrant and formidable organization that it is today.
In a chat with journalists on the ongoing programmes of the 30 years anniversary of OPC in Lagos, Hamzat, who is also the coordinator General of OPC in Alimosho Local Government Area of the state, said he was one of the beneficiaries of the sacrifices made by Adams to reposition the OPC.
He said: “Today, the OPC has experienced complete transformation in all areas.The wrong impression people have about OPC has changed over time and our members are now stakeholders in advancing the cause of Yoruba race.
“Part of the success stories of the OPC in the last three decades is the Oodua House, which remains the symbol of unity for all Yoruba sons and daughters and the cynosure of all eyes in Ikeja, Lagos.
“Another important thing is that OPC has rekindled the hope of Yoruba by ensuring that the South West is secured.We can ascribe the peace and tranquility today in Yoruba land to the efforts of one leader, Iba Adams, who has been making great efforts in curtailing the various challenges and has consistently shown the commitment to protect the South West against internal and external forces.
“As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of OPC, I think it is very important for us to say also that the traditional institution has also earned more respects through the cultural transformation of the OPC under the leadership of our leader.
“Today, Yorubaland is gradually coming to terms with the positive impact made in protecting our culture and tradition and our identity as a race that is blessed with wisdom and understanding.
“OPC through the Olokun Festival Foundation is at the centre of all the festivals we celebrate across the southwest and that has really helped in harnessing the tourism potentials of the South West and beyond.
“So,it is obvious that Iba Gani Adams has made tremendous efforts in promoting the core values of the Yoruba race and has earned him a prestigious place in the book of history.
“I have no doubt in my mind that Yoruba history will always be kind to him either now or in the future.”
Akinrogun, however, urged the Yoruba, wherever they are in the world to support Adams in pushing for a just society, insisting that restructuring remains the fulcrum of a just society.
“We will continue to say it that the best way to achieve the best for Nigeria is restructuring and that is the belief of our leader and that of the OPC as an organization.”
