Eniola Yekini
The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has identified disunity among traditional rulers and leaders as a major challenge hindering the progress of the Yoruba nation.
Adams called for a renewed commitment to unity, dialogue and collaboration among Yoruba leaders, warning that personal rivalries and fragmentation could undermine the collective strength of the Yoruba people.
He spoke 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, United States.
The Aare Ona Kakanfo urged Yoruba leaders and members of OPU to set aside their differences and embrace mutual respect and cooperation.
“Our strength lies in our ability to come together as one people, united by common goals and shared values,” he said.
Adams also stressed the importance of cultural pride and visionary leadership in advancing the Yoruba cause globally, noting that Yoruba heritage remained a foundation of identity for millions of people in Nigeria and across the world.
He described culture as a repository of wisdom, creativity and resilience, urging OPU members and Nigerians in the diaspora to take up the responsibility of preserving the Yoruba language, celebrating traditional festivals and upholding values such as respect, courage and community spirit.
“Our heritage is a source of inspiration and guidance for our present and future,” he said.
Adams commended OPU USA for its growth since its official launch in 2025, saying its annual conferences across different states had helped strengthen interaction and cohesion among members while attracting new participants.
He urged members to remain united in the face of challenges, stressing that effective leadership required resilience and the ability to weather difficult periods.
Looking to the future, Adams underscored the importance of youth empowerment in securing a prosperous future for Yorubaland and the global Yoruba community.
He called for greater investment in education, entrepreneurship and cultural awareness to equip young people to become custodians and torchbearers of the Yoruba legacy.
He also advocated initiatives aimed at promoting economic development, sustainable growth, job creation and improved quality of life across Yoruba communities.
The Aare Ona Kakanfo further emphasised the need to leverage 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 appreciation to guests, members, elders, volunteers, sponsors and members of the planning committee for their contributions to the success of the festival.
Olurin described the gathering as a celebration of Yoruba heritage, culture, unity and progress. He encouraged participants to embrace the spirit of togetherness that binds Yoruba people worldwide, irrespective of their places of residence.
He urged attendees to use the occasion to strengthen relationships, establish new connections and promote the values of respect, service and cultural pride.
The OPU USA Afro Fusion Festival, a cultural event featuring Yoruba music, dance, art and traditions, provided a platform for participants to celebrate their heritage while reflecting on the need for greater unity and collective progress.
Since its launch in 2025, OPU USA has emerged as an active Yoruba diaspora organisation in the United States, with its conferences and cultural festivals serving as platforms for mobilising members, fostering cohesion and promoting Yoruba values.
The festival brought together Yoruba sons and daughters from across the United States, alongside OPU members and other dignitaries, to celebrate their cultural heritage and reflect on the future of the Yoruba people at home and in the diaspora.
Among those who attended were the 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; and Welfare Secretary, Olufunke Agboola.
Others included Baba Oodua, OPU North America, Prince Adewole Daramola; Iya Oodua, OPU North America, Chief Florence Epee; Baba Oodua Worldwide, Otunba Adewale Adepoju; Iya Oodua Worldwide, Chief Modupeola Sodimu; Deputy Coordinator, OPU USA, Dr Itaniyi Olatoye; and Supervisory Coordinator, OPU USA, Chief Alice Owolabi.
Also present were the Coordinator, Miami, Florida, Adeshina Ogundeyi; Maryland Coordinator, Dickson Olugbodi; Iya Oodua, OPU USA, Mrs Yetty Adesanya; National Publicity Secretary, OPU USA, High Chief Oluwabiyi Greenlyte; Assistant General Secretary, OPU USA, Comrade Bolaji Ganiyu; General Secretary, OPU USA, Mrs Victoria Jamolaya; Mr Oluniyi Aluko; Chief Akin Omokemi; Engr Adeleke Adebogun; OPU Indiana Coordinator, Mr Olugbenga Jaiyeola; Comrade Bamidele Alade; Mr Olubunmi Falope; and Abosede Adebogun.