OPC to join Partisan Politics If Restructuring Fails

After 25 years of existence, Otunba Gani Adams, the national coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), says the socio-cultural group may join partisan politics if restructuring fails.

The 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo (Adams) of Yorubaland, said this on Thursday, August 29 while speaking at the OPC’s 25th anniversary in Lagos.

The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland lamented that the Call for restructuring, had been defeated repeatedly, leaving the OPC with little or no choice than to restategise

Adams added that the OPC would keep using its cultural mileage to negotiate on behalf of Yorubas; but added that if all entreaties fail, it might end up adopting militancy as the last option

 Lamenting on the call for restructuring, which he said is the OPC’s ultimate aim, had been defeated repeatedly, leaving the organization with little or no choice than to restategise so as to improve the living standard of its over six million members nationwide, especially in the south-west.

He said without mincing words, “let me say categorically that the next few months will determine whether we will remain politically neutral or partisan.

Legit.ng gathers that Adams recalled how in 1994, the OPC started with nine members in Mushin, with the aim of restoring the mandate of MKO Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the 1993 presidential election. He said despite claiming the lives of 2,500 martyrs, the struggle had achieved little so far.

“Do not forget that what gave birth to OPC was struggle for the re-validation of June 12, 1993 election. From there, we went to demand for the total restructuring of the country.

“The most recent irreducible for those who have followed this restructuring, is for government to implement the recommendations of the National Conference convened by administration of Goodluck Jonathan.

“It is in light of this that I say that in the next few months, if there is no tangible evidence that this country will be restructured, then OPC will become partisan.

“We are still keeping the details to our chest. However, with a membership of over 6 million, even if its members of the legislature at the federal and state levels that we are able to produce, we will be in position to influence what happens in government at all levels.

“Time for ‘siddon look ‘ is over.”

Adams also lamented over the persistent kidnappings and ritual killings across the south-west. He, however, expressed confidence that the OPC’s standing army is up to the task.

He said the group would keep using its cultural mileage to negotiate on behalf of Yorubas; but added that if all entreaties fail, the OPC might end up adopting militancy as the last option.

Aare Adams issued the stern statement in a reaction to the killing of Funke Olakunrin, the daughter of Reuben Fasoranti, leader of Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group

Adams described the death of Olakunrin as an invasion of the peaceful atmosphere of the south-west region.

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