Prince Ewenla celebrates 31 years of Oodua People’s Congress, 28 years of membership

By Benson Michael

Prince Ambassador (Dr.) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla, popularly known as Akinjagunla of the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, has joined millions of Yoruba sons and daughters in celebrating the 31st anniversary of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), while also marking his 28th year of active membership in the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organization.

Speaking on the milestone, Ewenla expressed gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him strength throughout his journey in OPC. “Many days have passed, yet I am still standing. I give thanks for the gift of life and the grace to remain strong,” he said.

Since joining OPC in 1997, Ewenla has risen through the ranks, serving in various capacities including Esho, Olori Esho, Assistant Zonal Commander, Zonal Commander, Alimosho LGA Financial Secretary, Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee, Acting General Commandant in Agbado Oke-Odo, National Ex-Officio, and Chairman of the National Local Government Inter-Relation Committee. Today, he proudly bears the title Akinjagunla under the leadership of the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams.

Ewenla paid glowing tributes to the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo, Adams, for his trust and confidence in him, while also honoring the memory of OPC’s founder, the late Dr. Frederick Fasehun. He further remembered his late leaders and mentors, including Mr. Sunday Adeleke, Chief Idowu Bello, Mr. Adejare, Mr. Sunday Falola, Mr. Ayodele Emmanuel, Chief Okuta, and Chief Shaibu Adenekan, describing them as pillars who shaped his path in the organization.

“I owe my journey to the resilience and unity of our members across Makinde Zone, Lion Zone (now Abule Egba Zone 1), Alimosho and Agbado Oke-Odo Local Governments. Your loyalty and support have made this journey worthwhile,” he noted.

The OPC, founded on August 29, 1994 in Lagos, has grown into a formidable Yoruba socio-cultural group with grassroots presence across the Southwest. Among its founding members were the late Dr. Frederick Fasehun, Iba Gani Adams, late Ibrahim Atanda, Idowu Abobanawo, late Mrs. Adebowale, late Olumide Adeniji, late Tony Ugurube, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and Salias Alani

Reflecting on the journey, Ewenla concluded with a prayer: “Oodua á gbé wá ooo! May the spirit of our founding fathers continue to guide us as we build on this legacy.”