Brief History of Mthatha Chapter
Egbe Omo Yoruba in Mthatha started in 2007 with Hon. Godwin Aina as the Pioneer Chairman, Hon. Samuel Adeoye as Vice Chairman, Hon. Bernard Omabi as Secretary and Pastor Taju Adejola as Treasurer. In 2008 activity of the association was low, hence bringing about the need to reactivate and make it vibrant. Consultation began and by April 2009 the first meeting was held at 92 Second Avenue, Norwood Mthatha where far reaching decisions were taken.
The review of the constitution was quite challenging because members were of the opinion that it must be written in their home language. In the Oodua constitution, both English and Yoruba language were merged. The name of the association was changed to Oodua Community in Transkei. In 2009, a get-together was organised for all Yoruba residing in Transkei.
In October 2009, Hon. Segun Omole passed on, then a new Secretary was elected in the person of Hon. Adebayo Amusan in 2010, also Mr. Aina Sunde was elected as Financial Secretary. Same year, the registration process with the South African government began, changing the name to Oduduwa Community Development in Transkei with Reg No: 2011/006255/08.
In June 2011, the first General Election was held. The following were elected: Hon. Samson Opeoluwa (Chairman), Hon. Adetokunbo Kotoye (Vice Chairman), Hon. Aina Sunde (Secretary), Hon. Adeoye Samuel (Treasurer). In 2011 the formal launch of the constitution was held and a reconciliation committee was set up to settle disagreements among members with outstanding results.
In 2012, the chapter became a member of the National Association of Yoruba Descendants in Southern Africa. In 2013, the second General Election was held: Hon. Adetokunbo Kotoye (Chairman), Hon. Adetayo Oderinde (Vice Chairman), Hon. Sunde Aina (Secretary), Hon. Akindele Ismail (Treasurer). Under this administration, numerical strength increased. Hon. Adetokunbo Kotoye became National Financial Secretary of NAYDSA in 2014 and served up to 2024.
In 2016, the third General Election was held: Hon. Adeyemi Ismaila Lasisi (Chairman), Hon. Ebenezer Adegbuyi (Vice Chairman), Hon. Segun Solanke (Secretary), Mr. Adebayo Abiodun (Treasurer). In 2017, the chapter began celebrating Family Day every September.
In 2019, the fourth General Election was held. In 2023, the fifth General Election elected: Mr. Ebenezer Adegbuyi (Chairman), Mr. Abiodun Adebayo (Vice Chairman), Mr. Ayoade Olusegun Akinleye (Secretary), Mr. Sharafa Gbadamosi (Treasurer), Mr. Jimoh Peter (Financial Secretary).
In May 2024, the chapter lost its immediate past chairman, Mr. Lasisi Adeyemi Ismaila. The association gave him a befitting burial. May his soul rest in peace.
In the recently concluded NAYDSA General Election, Mr. Peter Jimoh from Mthatha Chapter was elected as the National Vice President.
History by Samson O. Opeoluwa (JP) — Baba 'Legba
