Gani Adams: Unity Among Traditional Rulers, Leaders Crucial For Progress Of Yoruba Nation

The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has identified a lack of unity as a major challenge slowing the wheel of progress of the Yoruba nation, highlighting divisions among traditional rulers and Yoruba leaders, and calling for renewed commitment to unity.

He made the call on Friday at the Oodua Progressive Union, OPU, USA Afro Fusion Festival (OAFest 2026), themed, ‘Celebrating Our Heritage, Strengthening Our Unity, Shaping Our Future,’ held in Indianapolis, USA.

Iba Adams warned that personal rivalries and fragmentation could weaken the collective strength of the Yoruba people.

He appealed to all Yoruba leaders and members of OPU to set aside differences and embrace dialogue, mutual respect, and collaboration.

“Our strength lies in our ability to come together as one people, united by common goals and shared values,” he noted.

Adams also emphasised the importance of cultural pride and visionary leadership in advancing the Yoruba cause worldwide, stressing the importance of Yoruba heritage as the foundation of identity for millions of Nigerians globally.

While noting that culture embodies wisdom, creativity, and resilience, Adams urged OPU members and other Nigerians in Diaspora to take up the mantle of custodianship by preserving the Yoruba language, celebrating traditional festivals, and upholding core values such as respect, courage, and community spirit.

“Our heritage is a source of inspiration and guidance for our present and future,” he said.

The Aare Ona Kakanfo also praised the OPU USA for its dynamic growth since its official launch last year.

He noted that hosting annual conferences across various states not only boosts morale but also encourages physical interaction among members, fostering cohesion and attracting new participants.

He urged members to remain united despite challenges, reminding them that good leadership requires resilience and the ability to weather storms.

Looking ahead, the Aare Ona Kakanfo underscored the critical role of youth empowerment in securing a prosperous future for Yorubaland and the global Yoruba community.

He called for investments in education, entrepreneurship, and cultural awareness to equip young people as torchbearers of the Yoruba legacy.

He also canvassed for initiatives that will promote economic development, sustainable growth, job creation, and improved quality of life.

Iba Adams highlighted the importance of leveraging technology and global networks to connect Yoruba communities worldwide and amplify their voice on the international stage.

In his welcome address, the National Coordinator of OPU USA, Chief Afolabi Olurin, expressed gratitude to all guests, members, elders, volunteers, sponsors, and planning committee members whose dedication made the event possible.

Olurin described the gathering as a celebration of Yoruba heritage, culture, unity, and progress.

He encouraged attendees to embrace the spirit of togetherness that binds Yoruba people worldwide, regardless of their place of residence.

He urged everyone to use the occasion to strengthen relationships, build new connections, and promote values of respect, service, and cultural pride.

The OPU USA Afro Fusion Festival (OAFest 2026), a vibrant cultural event showcasing Yoruba music, dance, art, and traditions, provided a lively backdrop for the conference’s themes, allowing participants to experience firsthand the richness of Yoruba culture and the power of unity in diversity.

Since its launch in 2025, OPU USA has rapidly become a dynamic force among Yoruba diaspora organisations. Its conferences and cultural festivals now serve as platforms for mobilising members, fostering cohesion, and promoting Yoruba values across the United States.

The festival brought together distinguished guests, Yoruba sons and daughters from across the United States, and members of the OPU to reflect on their rich cultural legacy and chart a path forward for the Yoruba people both at home and in the diaspora.

Dignitaries who attended the festival include Continent Coordinator, OPU North America, Toyin Alowonle, General Secretary, OPU North America, Otunba Kemi Olanrewaju; Assistant General Secretary, OPU North America, Chief Victor Abolarinde; Financial Secretary, OPU North America, Chief Samson Adeshina; Treasurer, OPU North America, Princess Modupe Oyinsan; Publicity Secretary, Adewale Odunuga; Deputy Publicity Secretary, Princess Seyi Oyewale; Organising Secretary, Iyameto Funmi Olumade; Programme Director, Chief Omotunde Balogun; Welfare Secretary, Olufunke Agboola; Baba Oodua OPU North America, Prince Adewole Daramola; Iya Oodua OPU North America, Chief Florence Epee; Baba Oodua Worldwide, Otunba Adewale Adepoju and Iya Oodua Worldwide, Chief Modupeola Sodimu.

Others include Deputy Coordinator, OPU USA, Dr Itaniyi Olatoye; Supervisory Coordinator, OPU USA, Chief Alice Owolabi; Coordinator, Miami, Florida, Adeshina Ogundeyi; Maryland Coordinator, Dickson Olugbodi; Iya Oodua, OPU USA, Mrs Yetty Adesanya; and National Publicity Secretary, OPU USA, High Chief Oluwabiyi Greenlyte.

Other attendees were Assistant General Secretary, OPU USA, Comrade Bolaji Ganiyu; General Secretary, OPU USA, Mrs Victoria Jamolaya; Mr Oluniyi Aluko; Mrs Yetty Adesanya; Chief Akin Omokemi; and Engr. Adeleke Adebogun; OPU Indiana Coordinator, Mr Olugbenga Jaiyeola; Comrade Bamidele Alade; Mr Olubunmi Falope and Abosede Adebogun.