Egbe Omo Yoruba U.S. branch unveils new Excos as Okei calls for protection of Yoruba heritage

President of the Organization of African Unity – South Carolina (OAU–SC), Grand Knight Emeritus, Sir Tonna Okei, has called on the entire Yoruba nation, both at home and in the diaspora, to take deliberate and strategic steps toward upholding their rich cultural heritage as handed down by their forebears.

Sir Okei made the call at the just-concluded 2025 Egbe Omo Yoruba end-of-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, appeared at the event in full traditional regalia, complete with a staff of office, as a cultural ambassador extraordinaire plenipotentiary.

He expressed strong confidence in the leadership, judgment, and capacity of the newly inaugurated executives, who have been entrusted with piloting the affairs of the socio-cultural organization.

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

“I have lived among these great and lovely people (the Yorubas) here in the state of South Carolina. Through training and experience, I am imbued with an unflinching advocacy for human capital development, community growth, a relentless call for good governance, and cultural promotion.

“Therefore, whenever I encounter leaders of sterling quality, I can easily identify them. I can assure you, without mincing words, that the executives inaugurated today possess what it takes to pilot the affairs of this 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 resounding masterpiece and a clear indication of the quality of leadership members should expect in the coming days.

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

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

In the same vein, the Agbor-born cultural ambassador eulogised Otunba Sam Arogundade, the group’s Vice Chairman, who also served as the Master of Ceremonies at the end-of-year celebration.

“From his eloquence and well-coordinated presentations as the MC of today’s event, the Vice Chairman has proven beyond reasonable doubt that he is not a greenhorn, but a round peg in a round hole of leadership,” Okei said.

He described the event as a superlative outing that was meticulously organised and commended the organisers for ensuring that food and drinks were sufficiently provided, noting that no guest left the venue unsatisfied.

Okei was also full of praise for his wife, who attended the event, describing her as a friend, sister, and perfect role model of a well-behaved wife.

Dignitaries present at the event included Captain Adesodun and his wife, Mrs. Funmi Adesodun; Pastor Mercy Sanyo; the former President of the Nigerian Women Association in Columbia and her husband, Olorogun Sanyo; Dr. Ismaeel Yunusa; his wife; and mother-in-law, among others.

The highlight of the event was group photographs, refreshments, and cultural renditions provided by the DJ.