About Oluyole Progressive Union, UK and Ireland
The Oluyole Progressive Union, UK started as a peaceful break away indigenous club from the defunct Ibadan Descendants Union UK in March 1999 following a policy disagreement between the older members and the young members where the young members alleged, they had no voice in the running of the association.
In their resignation letters, the duo of Alhaji Gaphar Babatunde Ojetola and Alhaji AbdRasheed Adeniyi Adeleke cited instances of indiscriminate over-ruling their valuable suggestions which was aimed at contributing to the progress of Ibadanland instead of organising end of the year parties since the establishment of the association in 1962 without any project in Ibadanland.
These youths had adopted several methods to appeal and convince the older members without any luck. For instance, during the one-year coronation anniversary in 2000 of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Yunusa Ogundipe Arapasowu (1999 to 2007), Alhaji Ojetola with the support of Alhaji Niyi Adeleke attended the coronation and presented twenty thousand customized exercise books on behalf of the Ibadan Descendants Union UK to the Olubadan to be distributed amongst ten secondary schools of Olubadan choice.
Two thousand exercise books were presented to each of the selected schools amongst them, Ibadan Grammar School, Yejide Girls Grammar School, St. Anne’s School, Oke’Badan High School, Lagelu Grammar School, Olubadan High School and four others. That was the first time that the name of Ibadan Descendants Union UK was registered as contributing to the cause of Ibadanland since 1962.
These people, instead of going home, decided to re- convene at the residence of one of them in Gower House Street, London to brainstorm on how to kick-start and establish a new association. Names of notable Ibadan sons and daughters were suggested for contact. Brother Niyi Ogunsola, Brother Akintokunbo Adejumo and Brother Remi Adewuyi were the first to support the laudable ideas brought before them.
The formation started with the identity of the new association and after a series of suggestions, Oluyole Progressives Union UK was unanimously agreed upon. At this meeting, while the consensus hooves on Mr. Akintokunbo Adejumo to become the President, he vehemently objected citing work pressure and he later nominated Mr. Remi Adewuyi as the President which was supported by all present. Alhaji Gaphar Ojetola was unanimously elected as the Secretary and that was the birth of the Oluyole Progressives Union UK.
At the inaugural meeting which was held at Mr. Remi Adewuyi’s residence, members were enjoined to embark on a rigorous membership drive. Mr. Bayowa Hassan, Dr. Gbola Olalere, Alhaji Biodun Oloko, Alhaji Atilola, Mrs Lola Ajani, Ms Grace Omotayo, Alhaji Gafar Gbadamosi and Ms Ebunlomo Adetunji were amongst the first to join the new club.
Others were, in no particular order, Brothers and Sisters, Mama Ayo, Mr. Kola Busari, Mr. Sola Akande and lately, Mr. Kole Ojo (of blessed memory) and many more.
A constitution drafting committee was inaugurated to produce the constitution. First amongst the committees that were established was Project Committee to supervise the homeland assignments and Welfare Committee to oversee the Welfare of our members.
Meet Our Council of Elders
Our Council of Elders is a group of esteemed leaders, each with a wealth of experience and wisdom, dedicated to guiding our community with integrity and vision. Their collective insights shape the decisions that foster growth, unity, and lasting impact for future generations.
It is worth mentioning that the Oluyole Progressives Union UK was the first ever indigenous association in the UK to be registered with the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes in 2001 just at the same time the OPU UK donated hospital equipment to the Adeoyo Maternity and Specialist Hospital, Yemetu Ibadan.
The OPU UK lead the fund-raising appeal in the UK for the Ibadan House Building Project and the donations was presented in Pound Sterling at an elaborate fund-raising ceremony held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan by the President, Mr. Remi Adewuyi.
The OPU UK has remained in the forefront of leading association in the UK and a club to reckon with amongst the CCII affiliate clubs.
Oluyole Progressive Union Impacts
