Lao Tzu, the Chinese philosopher once said: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” The Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) was founded as a child of necessity by a group of like-minded and patriotic individuals in 1994 in response to the unjust annulment of the 1993 presidential elections overwhelmingly won by late business mogul, Aare Moshood Kashimawo Abiola.
It was initially intended to be a platform for the defence and advancement of the cause of the Yoruba people. But it has since taken on other functions, growing like an organic being with a life of its own.
From the initial nine founding members, the initial ‘child of necessity’ has grown its membership base into millions, with cadres in all stratas of social life- from the Atlantic in the south to the Sahel on the fringe of the Sahara desert in the north.
Like any other group, it has its ups and downs but we can proudly beat our chests to say OPC has served the Yoruba nation commendably. We cannot but look back and regret the unfortunate periods when we took up arms against our own brothers and colleagues. Many of our own cadre were either killed or maimed, and properties of inestimable value destroyed.
Today, I’m happy to say that such unfortunate period is now behind us. We have entered a new era where it will no longer be business as usual. Fowls would no longer eat the entrails of other fowls. We, as members of the OPC have sacrificed sweat, blood and even lives to build this organisation into what it is today. And we will do all it takes to ensure that the dreams of our founding fathers and martyred colleagues are fulfilled. This is the least we owe them and the Yoruba nation. I promise that as long as I am still alive, I will remain dedicated to ensuring the attainment of this objective. For this reason, I humbly plead for the support of all and sundry (including the general public) to help actualise this noble objective.
For too long, OPC has been used as a tool in the hands of selfish leaders who are only after their own personal gains. These are leaders who will incite members against each others because of minor differences but will meet later to fashion out ways of feathering their nests when the opportunity presents itself.
Ladies and gentlemen, “It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men,” says Samuel Adams. We are now in a new era as I previously stated. We are in an era where we will no longer resort to violence to settle our differences, particularly with our kith and kin. It is a new era where the welfare of the members will come first and the memories of our martyrs will be accordingly honoured. No longer will the ‘monkey work and the baboon chop’ while the monkey is left hungry. This is a new era where extensive consultations will be done before far reaching actions are taken. As a matter of fact, for the first time in the history of Oodua People’s Congress, OPC New Era now has a constitution that will guide our daily activities as a pressure group.
It is understandable if we find people who will still harbour sceptic beliefs as regards the above stated comments. Yes, for so long we were led by selfish leaders whose words were not worth the papers on which they were written. These were leaders who thrived on lies, deceit and intimidation.
However, we are men of honour. The epitome of what our forefathers called ‘Omoluabi’. Our words are our bound. And this much can be gleaned from our recent rapprochement with members of the Reformed OPC, (the breakaway faction of the Dr. Frederick Fasehun group).
We have made history by formally ending the war of attrition between the two groups. This was done without any external mediation. Yet, under the leadership of our former leaders (Fasehun and Gani Adams), ego and personal aggrandisement prevented the attainment of this despite the concerted efforts of many well meaning Yoruba leaders of thought and royal fathers. Not even the Ooni and Alafin could prevail on the two leaders. And the peace brokered by the then executive governor of Ogun State and the patriotic Engr. Bayo Banjo was only short-lived because the feuding leaders only thought of themselves and not the millions of cadre they led.
My brothers and sisters, if you meet any member of the OPC Reformed group, you are safe to consider them as members of this organisation.
This is because efforts are ongoing to consolidate both groups into one. And there are further plans to consolidate all the other factions of the OPC into one such that the OPC will again become one as it was in the past. Enough is enough of the divisive actions of some selfish leaders. Ko s’ogun mo; ko s’ote mo.
STATE OF THE NATION AND GLOBAL AFFAIRS
War on corruption should have a human face as citizens are suffering too much. Government at both the federal and state level should endeavour to pay civil servants salaries. Aggressive tendencies of Fulani cattle rearers should be checked to prevent a repeat of what the Janjaweed did in South Sudan.
OPC also strongly condemns the human slave trade currently going on in Libya in which Nigerians have been the major victims. The government of Nigeria should do more in making Nigeria conducive for its citizens to stay rather than seeking a greener pasture in a failed country like Libya. The government of Nigeria should equally work with international community to ensure that justice is done to the case of Nigerians who must have been killed, maimed or maltreated by the Libyans.
Oodua Agbe Wa O!