By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
Yoruba language should be our greatest weapon of security,…Salute Ambode For Moves In including Yoruba language as criteria for admission into Lagos Institutions.
The 15th Aare Ona Kankaafo of Yoruba land, Otunba Gani Adams makes attendance at the Olumo festival 2018 which comes up today in Abeokuta, Ogun state.
The historical event which attracts the eminent indigenous sons and daughters of Egbaland cutting across the globe to display culture and tourism.
According to the speech delivered by Aare Gani Adams, he commend the efforts of the royal fathers present at the event most especially the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo for being for the Oodua Progressive Union at all times. Also recognized the various exploits and contributions of Lisabi who as a warrior brought Abeokuta to limelight.
Also, history has consistently remained faithful to Egba indigenes, making them one of the leading people among the nucleus of Yoruba race. Some of the names that readily come to minds are Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Segun Odegbami, Incumbent Governor of Ogun state,Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Chief Mrs Alaba Lawson, the late MKO Abiola and several others.
Preserving Our Culture Heritage
Aare Gani Adams urged Nigerians to let our culture to remain the bedrock of our existence, like every other societies in the world.
“By our various actions and composure, the Yoruba culture is gradually going into extinction. This is sad and the irony of this is that we are digging the grave, and at the same time, burying the identity of the race.- Aare Gani Adams”
Let Me Begin With Our Language.
The way we handle our language is not too good for us as a race. Our language is supposed to be our identity, it is our pride and it is the greatest weapon of security for us as a people. The Yoruba with huge population of 250 people across the world, is presently finding it difficult to take its pride of place in the world.
However, he commend the trail blazing effort of the Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode for making the Yoruba language the official language in school and most of the proceedings in the state. Urging all the southwest to take a clue from the step taken by the Lagos State governor.
“Today our dress sense is not conformity with our core values. We have drifted from our original pattern of dressing. The Dansiki, Sokoto, and Gbariye clothes are no longer in vogue.”
“The Yoruba are known for their originality. But the question is: Where did we get it wrong? I think we got it wrong during the days of the colonialists. Says Aare Gani Adams”
Aare Gani Adams ensured peace, unity and promotion of Yoruba culture heritage and traditions at the memorable event.