OPC New Era Elders’ Council Rejects Tenure Extension for Sadam-Led Executives

The Elders’ Council of the Odua People’s Congress (OPC) New Era has dissociated itself from a purported meeting that extended the tenure of the Alhaji Rasaq Balogun Arogundade, alias Sadam, led executives.

The council described the decision as null and void, saying it did not reflect the position of the full body. 

Crisis has trailed the eight-year tenure of the Sadam-led executives, with some leaders of the Yoruba sociocultural group insisting it ended on Friday, December 12, 2025. 

During the week, some members of the Elders’ Council announced an extension allowing Sadam to run for a third term.

Those said to have taken the decision included Comrade Monsuru Akande, Acting Chairman; Ranti Akande; Alhaji Adeshina Amusa; Lateef Ogungbayi; and Alhaji Sadam himself.

Reacting, Secretary of the Council, Comrade Kehinde Ogunyale, said five members could not take such a critical decision for a council made up of 20 members. 

Speaking on behalf of other members, he stated that the meeting lacked the authority to extend the tenure.

Members not present at the meeting include Late Olayinka Olowoporoku; Comrade Bayo Fabiyi; Alhaji Lateef Oshodi; Comrade Akinpelu Adesina; Comrade Olayiwola Ogunsolu; Comrade Olusanya Segun; Comrade Olusoji Folorunsho; Comrade Adebayo Sunday; Comrade Gbenga Egunlusi; Comrade Idowu Akintunde; Comrade Musa Oladipupo; and Chief Adeola Adeagbo.

Ogunyale explained that Comrade Monsuru Akande, who presided over the meeting, is only an Acting Chairman whose appointment has not been ratified by the council. 

He said the position of other council members is that Sadam should first step down as President of OPC New Era, as stipulated in the organization’s constitution.

According to him, other national executives have stepped aside to allow the Elders’ Council to put in place new executives to ensure stability and due process.