New OPC boss carpets Fasehun, promises new direction

THE new President of Oodua People’s Congress, Comrade Dare Adesope, has berated its founder, Dr. Fredrick Fasehun, for derailing from the vision and objectives of the organisation.

Speaking at a press briefing at the headquarters of the organisation in Lagos, the new OPC boss accused Fasehun for failing to lay an enduring legacy for the group, in addition to treating the welfare of members with levity.

Adesope said these reasons, coupled with the resolve of concerned members to chart a new direction for the organisation, led to his emergence as the new president.

Giving an insight into the circumstances that led to his election as the new OPC president, Adesope disclosed that Fasehun’s alleged refusal to fulfill his earlier promise of handing over to a new crop of leaders during the 20th anniversary of the organisation and in October last year, led senior members of the group to convene a meeting where he was unanimously elected as the new president.

He said: “A few years ago, Dr. Fasehun announced that he would hand over the baton of leadership during the 20th anniversary of the OPC. But surprisingly, he reneged on his promise. Again, he said a new leader would be announced for the group last year, but that never came to be. OPC needs to chart a new direction to enable it face future challenges. I’m well equipped to provide this new direction for the group. I was Secretary General of the organisation for 10 years before I was elected as president, so I know what to do to move the group forward.”

Adesope blamed the poor welfare condition of members on Fasehun, who he alleged, has only used the OP to feather his nest, saying, “Many of our members have died in the cause of this struggle, while other are suffering from permanent disability, yet the organisation could not assist them. This has to stop. Though we still recognise and respect Dr. Fasehun as the founder of the organisation, we believe this is the time for a new set of leaders to step forward and refocus the organisation for the tasks ahead.”

In response to media reports that he allegedly held a secret meeting with the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to instigate crisis in OPC, Adesope said, “What is the big deal if we met with Asiwaju Tinubu? Is he not a Yoruba leader worthy of emulation? Unknown to many people, Asiwaju Tinubu gave OPC money to buy this landed property for our headquarters way back in 2001, but, unfortunately, our leaders have failed to develop the land. Tinubu has always been there for us and anytime he calls, we would oblige him.”

On the outcome of the general elections, Adesope congratulated President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, and the Lagos State governor-elect, Akinwunmi Ambode, on their victory, while extending his group’s hand of fellowship to the incoming government.

The new OPC boss disclosed that he would soon be embarking on a tour of the country to brief members on the recent happenings in the organisation.