One aspect of the convention that is worth mentioning was the “Rebirth of Moremi” agenda, which was presented by Mr. Folarin Da-Silva, from California Chapter at the gala night. He gave a presentation on the “Rebirth of The Moremi Foundation.” Folarin was a Presidential Candidate in 2005 and lost to Chief Odusanya, the current President. The leadership skills of Odusanya might change a lot of minds within the organization, and attracts more membership. His leadership skills are proving that there is “Strength in Unity”. In the past, it would mean that when a candidate lost an election, the Organization loses his election manifesto, or program as well. The winner would not even make an attempt to reach out to his election opponent. I was highly impressed by the steps taken by the Executive for picking up Folarin, the ‘lost’ candidate of the election campaign. Things could be changing for good among the Yoruba group with the right leadership. The link to Moremi website is http://www.moremifoundation.org.
The final aspect of the convention was what I noticed about the OWAMBE style of partying. The gala night was also pure business. Things are changing for good with the leadership of Egbe Omo Yoruba in North America. The usual lousy stylish of Yoruba’s gathering was absent. The Key Note Speaker was Senator Olaleke Mamora, representing the Lagos East Senatorial District. Despite Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora’s 65-minute, well articulated speech, that got the full attention of the audience, the listeners were very attentive, very patient and absorbed the lecture from the Senator. I was surprised that the OWAMBE which I harmer on so much, was just a microscopic part of the gala night. There was no rush for the live-band to play the music. Everyone was very attentive to every single aspect of the night.
The night was rounded up with the presence of His Royal Highness, Oba Adejuyigbe Adefunmi of Oyotunji, North Carolina, USA, who chaired the 11th Excellence Awards banquet. He came with his Royal entourage, while the Oyotunji masquerades performed. The recipient of the award for Oodua Excellence was Otunba Gani Adams, Culture and Language; Ex-Officio Award went to Lasisi Ogunmola Mohammed, the immediate past President; Presidential Milestone Awards went to Idowu Ajanaku of The Guardian Newspaper, Nigeria, Yinka Odumakin for Dedicated Services to the Community, and Dr. Femi Ajayi for the Medical Philanthropy.
Women Awards went to Ms. Sophia Oluremi Owoleye, Mrs. Olufadekemi Oladenide, Mrs. Olaide Odusanya, Mrs. Aderonke Sodipo, Mrs. Adetoun Gbadegesin, Dr. (Mrs.) Barbara Adeboye, and Mrs. Modupe Adeniran. Recipients of Leadership Award were Mr. Aderemi Alawode, Mr. Olaseinde Akerele, Mrs. Monilola Tenabe, Professor Olusegun Gbadegesin, Mr. Olumuyiwa Isaac Ogunsan, and Alhaja Iyabode Folasade Adeniji.
Egbe Omo Yoruba leadership has actually made a difference at what direction the Yoruba should take its course from this point (2006). The leadership is focused on Nigeria unity. Chief Odusanya brought in the Zumunta National President and reiterated the need to continue that unity, using their trip to Nigeria as a foundation. The Igbo leadership could not make it, but sent in a solidarity message to the Association. If we may recur, the three Apex Nigerian Organizations, Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba Presidents went to Nigeria to be part of those that ‘killed’ the Third Term Agenda of Obasanjo’s administration. They met with Nigeria lawmakers to stop the Third Term Agenda.
Egbe Omo Yoruba’s current administration of Chief Odusanya came into life in Atlanta 2005, when they were elected. It is amazing for what this administration has done within a year of its existence. Odusanya has led two other major Nigerian organizations in North America to Nigeria on a major key issue that could have destroyed the country. When he called me up late 2005, to link him with Zumunta group, after a lengthy discussion about his vision for Nigeria, I told myself that this is one of the rare Nigerians that have Nigerian interest at heart whom I could work with. He sounds very authentic.
When I also mentioned to him about my pet project, Medical Mission to Nigeria, he immediately registered his support. He linked me with his Vice President’s wife, Mrs. Lara Aworunse, who might be interested. I did not know this until I got to their meeting in Tampa that Mrs. Aworunse was his VP’s wife. Lara has made so much contribution to the Medical Mission to Nigeria. She has been one of my key people in networking for the Medical Mission personnel in Tennessee. Mrs. Wuraola Adesinasi, another member of Egbe Omo Yoruba, Tennessee, joining the Mission, is proving that Egbe Omo Yoruba, Tennessee, is another good testimony of a visionary leadership that Yoruba group needs.
If for one thing, the Leadership, the Captain of the Yoruba Organization, is focused and the Unity in his mind is being approached diplomatically, putting aside any other considerations, the Nigeria future is bright in the eyes of Egbe Omo Yoruba. Chief Adeola Odusanya is one of the visionary leaders that Yoruba needs.
