…As Omo Egba, U.S branch gets new exco

By Jimitota Onoyume

President, Organization of African Unity – Southern Carolina (OAU – SC), Grand Knight Emeritus, Sir Tonna Okei, has called on the  Yoruba nation to sustain the rich culture of the ethnic group.

Sir Okei spoke at the 2025 Egba Omo Egba Yoruba end of the year party and unveiling of the new executives of Oduduwa Heritage, Columbia, United states of America.

Those inaugurated include; Oladipupo Ogunnaike, Chairman, Otunba Sam Arogundade, Vice chairman.  Damilola Abioye, Secretary General, Fatai Abioye, Treasurer, Medinat Osinubi, financial Secretary, Clement Omotosho, Welfare Secretary, Ibrahim Lawal, Chief Whip, Ramat Odubena, Women Leader and Public Relations Officer among others.

Okei, who holds the traditional title of Asoju Oba attended  the event in full yoruba  traditional regalia including staff of office as a cultural Ambassador. He expressed his belief in the leadership, judgement and capacity of the personalities charged with the responsibility of piloting the affairs of the socio-cultural organization.

“I am an Agbor, Delta state born state cultural advocate. In keeping with my detribalized and  development oriented culture, I married Dr Oluwatoyin Okei (Yeye Asoju Oba), from the South Western Nigeria, Osun state to be precise, and our marriage which has spanned over two decades is blessed with six children and a grand-daughter.

“I have lived with these great and lovely people (the Yorubas) here in this great city of South Carolina. Through training and experience, I am imbued with unflinching advocacy for human capital, community development, relentless call for good governance and cultural promotion. Therefore, each time I come across leaders with sterling quality, I can easily spot them. And I can assure you without mincing words that the executive team  inaugurated today has what it takes to pilot the affairs of the association and there is no cause for alarm”, Okei said.

Continuing, Okei, popularly known as Ikuku Oma, described himself as a dogged fighter for a fair, just, equitable and peaceful world. He commended the acceptance speech delivered by the new Chairman, describing it as a sign of good leadership delivery that members of the group should expect in the coming days.

He   praised the Chairman, Oladipupo Ogunnaike, for his devotion to the growth of the association and unwavering commitment to human and community development.

“I therefore urge you to use the same dexterity in preserving and promoting Yoruba culture across the world” Okei added.

The Agbor born cultural Ambassador in the same vein eulogized Otunba Sam Arogundade, the group’s Vice chairman who functioned as the Master of Ceremony at the event. ‘’From his eloquence and coordinated presentations as the MC of today’s event, the Vice Chairman has proved beyond reasonable doubt that he is not a green horn but a round peg in a round hole of leadership “, Okei said.

He described the event as a good outing that was properly put together and  thanked the organizers.

Okei was full of praises for his wife, describing her as a friend, sister and perfect role model of a well-behaved wife.

Present at the event were : Captain Adesodun and wife Mrs Funmi Adesodun, Pastor Mercy Sanyo, Former Nigerian women Association in Columbia, President and husband, Olorogun Sanyo, Dr Ismaeel Yunusa, wife and mother-in-law.

There  were photograph sessions, and  dances to cultural music  supplied  by the DJ.