A vibrant social-cultural organization in the diaspora, Oluyole Progressive Union (OPU) UK, embarked on an impactful visit to Ibadan on Friday, May 29, 2026.
The visits were marked by a significant charity donation to Jesus Kids Orphanage Home and a revered royal audience with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
These events underscored OPU’s unwavering commitment to the progress and well-being of Ibadaland.
The day commenced with a heartwarming visit to the Jesus Kids Orphanage Home, where the OPU delegation presented essential items valued at five million Naira.
The generous donation, a testament to the union’s annual philanthropic efforts, aims to alleviate the challenges faced by the orphanage in caring for its diverse residents.
Alhaji Akeem Akinborode, President of the Oluyole Progressive Union, who led the powerful delegation, expressed his profound delight during the presentation.
“Our core objective at OPU is to identify with anything that has to do with the progress of Ibadaland,” he stated.
“We realized that what you do here is in line with that great vision of ours, helping the children, the less privileged and the residents of Ibadan. I can assure you that this won’t be a one-off thing. We shall continue to help in whatever capacity we can.”
Pastor Mrs. Adamolekun, proprietress of Jesus Kids Orphanage Home, received the donation with immense gratitude.
“We really thank you so much for this kind gesture,” she said. “It will go a long way not only to lessen our burden to some extent but also to encourage others in providing for these children, including those with special needs, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and autism, whom we train to live as independently as possible.”
Later in the day, the OPU delegation was granted a prestigious royal audience with the Olubadan Oba Rashidi Ladoja at his palace.
The delegation was welcomed to the palace by members of the Olubadan-in-Council including the Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi.
Akinborode seized the opportunity to share the rich history and impactful work of the OPU, including the day’s charitable endeavors.
Discussions also touched upon the upcoming Ibadan Day event in the UK, a celebration of Ibadan’s rich cultural heritage.
Akinborode also humbly requested Oba Ladoja to grace this year’s edition of the Ibadan Day celebration in the UK.
Responding, the Olubadan commended OPU for their efforts in upholding the great values of Yoruba heritage and for promoting Ibadan’s rich culture.
He charged the delegation to encourage the speaking of Yoruba, and also ensure that their children learn and speak the language.
The OPU delegation included esteemed members such as former President, Alhaji Abiodun Oloko, Mogaji Gafar Gbadamosi, Alhaji Ademola Kasali, Princess Jumoke Ladoja, Mr. Kazeem Kasali, Mogaji Lookman Okedina, Mrs. Nike Fatima, and Mogaji Yusuf Adeleke.
Their collective presence highlighted the unity and dedication within the Oluyole Progressive Union, reinforcing their commitment to fostering positive change and strengthening ties with their homeland.
