Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) in its efforts to promote Yoruba culture.
Speaking at the grand finale of the Oodua Festival in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Adeleke—represented by his Special Adviser on Cultural Affairs, Prince Ayodeji Lukman Wahab—commended the OPC’s dedication to preserving Yoruba heritage and enhancing the region’s tourism potential. He urged members of the OPC to continue their cultural advocacy, emphasizing the richness of Yoruba traditions.
“Under the leadership of Iba Gani Adams, OPC has been instrumental in advancing our cultural identity. The Osun State Government will continue to support these initiatives,” Wahab stated.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, also emphasized the role of Yoruba monarchs as custodians of culture and tradition. Represented by the Obalufe of Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura, he called on Yoruba kings to remain steadfast in promoting and preserving the heritage of the Yoruba people.
“Yoruba Obas must embrace and uphold all aspects of our culture. It is our duty to project and protect our rich traditions,” the Ooni said.
In his address, the Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, highlighted the efforts of both the OPC and the Oodua Progressive Union (OPU) in promoting Yoruba culture globally.
“OPU is now present in 102 countries across six continents. Every year, delegates travel to Nigeria to participate in our world congress,” Adams noted.
As part of their contributions to Ile-Ife’s development, Adams also announced the commissioning of the Oodua Hall at the Grove, further cementing the commitment of the OPC and OPU to Yoruba cultural advancement.
