OPC New Era elders deny crisis, reaffirm confidence in Arogundade

By Olusesan Laoye

The Elders Council of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) New Era has dismissed reports of crisis within the organisation, insisting that members remain united and fully supportive of the group’s president, Chief Rasak Arogundade.

Chairman of the Elders Council, Comrade Akande Monsuru, stated this in a statement issued on behalf of the organisation, describing rumours of disunity as unfounded and the handiwork of individuals seeking to destabilise the group.

According to him, some “mischievous elements” were attempting to create division within the organisation in order to undermine its growth and development.

He said the OPC New Era had emerged as a strong voice for the Yoruba people and a platform committed to advancing the interests and aspirations of the South-West region.

“The rumours making the rounds about disunity in the organisation are false and baseless,” Akande said.

“There are people who are uncomfortable with the progress and growing influence of OPC New Era, and their intention is to cause confusion and weaken the organisation.”

He added that the leadership of the organisation remained committed to improving the welfare of members and strengthening unity across all levels.

Akande acknowledged that there had been misunderstandings over certain issues within the organisation, but maintained that such disagreements had been amicably resolved.

“It is common knowledge that wherever human beings exist, there will always be differences arising from varying backgrounds, orientations and opinions. In our own case, those issues have been resolved,” he said.

He also apologised for any inconvenience the internal disagreements may have caused members, while commending leaders, stakeholders and members for handling the situation with maturity and restraint.

According to him, the incident had served as a wake-up call for the organisation’s leadership and reinforced the need for continued dialogue and unity.

Akande praised Arogundade’s leadership style, saying the OPC New Era president had worked tirelessly to foster peace and cohesion within the organisation.

He said members retained full confidence in Arogundade’s leadership and remained loyal to his administration.

“Chief Rasak Arogundade has continued to demonstrate strong leadership qualities that have transformed the organisation into an enviable one,” he stated.

“The entire membership has absolute confidence in his leadership, and we remain ready to support him in the conduct of the organisation’s affairs.”

The elders’ council chairman also addressed concerns surrounding tenure limits and leadership succession within the organisation.

He explained that while the OPC New Era recognised democratic principles, the nature of the organisation also required qualities such as bravery, loyalty, dedication and courage in selecting leaders.

According to him, leadership in a movement focused on the emancipation of its people cannot rely solely on conventional electoral processes.

“Leadership of a revolutionary organisation like ours requires more than the ballot box alone,” he said.

“Qualities such as courage, commitment, loyalty and the ability to effectively command are essential in carrying out the responsibilities of the organisation.”

He, however, stressed that members would not be denied the right to participate in choosing their leaders, adding that democratic principles would continue to guide the organisation’s activities.

Akande further disclosed that the leadership and stakeholders were already considering a review of certain areas of the organisation’s constitution to address identified grey areas.

He said members would be given the opportunity to contribute to the review process to ensure broader acceptance of any amendments.

The elders’ council chairman urged members to place the collective interest of the organisation above personal ambitions and continue working towards unity, progress and the overall objectives of the OPC New Era.