As the Yoruba Council Worldwide gears up for its 26th anniversary celebration, the Olowu of Kuta, His Royal Majesty Oba Hameed Adekunle Makama Oyelude Tegbosun III, has issued a passionate call for unity among Yoruba sons and daughters across the globe.
The highly anticipated event is scheduled to hold on May 1st at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The respected monarch made this appeal on Wednesday during a courtesy visit from the President of the Yoruba Council Worldwide, Aare Barr. Oladotun Hassan.
Oba Makama emphasized the importance of fostering cultural harmony and unity across Yorubaland, describing the forthcoming anniversary as a golden opportunity for reconnection and collaborative development.
“I’ve received our son in whom we are well pleased, the convener of the Yoruba Council Worldwide, Barrister Dotun Hassan. His mission is clear – to mobilise Yoruba traditional rulers, opinion leaders, and all sons and daughters of Oduduwa for this historic gathering. It’s a golden opportunity for our collective progress,” the Olowu stated.
The monarch also urged traditional rulers to remain neutral in religious matters, asserting that their primary responsibility lies in cultural guardianship rather than clerical roles.
“I am a Muslim by birth, but upon ascending the throne, I became a father to all. No Yoruba traditional ruler should serve as a religious leader. Our duty is to preserve and protect Yoruba heritage and culture,” he declared.
Aare Oladotun Hassan revealed the official theme for the anniversary celebration as “Yoruba Agenda: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”.
He explained that the event will feature lectures from eminent scholars and cultural advocates, with a focus on unity, heritage, and forward-thinking strategies for regional development.
He also addressed persistent rumours of discord among key Yoruba royal stools particularly between the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo, firmly debunking such claims.
“We wish to inform the public that there is no rift between our revered monarchs. Both the Ooni and the Alaafin remain committed to the peace and progress of Yorubaland. We must stop the desecration of our heritage and refrain from the online abuse of our elders. That is not the Yoruba way,” Hassan emphasized.
The Yoruba Council Worldwide is also using the platform to endorse the creation of the Southwest Development Commission, encouraging Yoruba leaders and stakeholders to leverage the opportunity for economic and infrastructural transformation across the region.
Aare Oladotun further revealed that a formal request has been made to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the establishment of a Federal Ministry of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs—a dedicated body separate from cultural promotion, which would empower traditional rulers with defined responsibilities in governance, agriculture, and security.
He also proposed the formation of a Yoruba Council of Obas Worldwide, which would coordinate the roles of traditional monarchs and enhance cross-community integration, particularly in areas of security, food sustainability, and agricultural revitalization.
“It’s time for our governors to begin transforming fallow lands into viable agricultural zones. Food security should be a central development goal for every southwestern state,” he asserted.
The upcoming May 1st celebration, also designated as Yoruba National Day, promises to be a significant milestone in Yoruba history. It will serve as a rallying point for fostering unity, celebrating cultural pride, and engaging in high-level discussions about the future of the Yoruba race within Nigeria’s evolving political and economic landscape.
The Yoruba Council Worldwide has extended a special invitation to President Bola Tinubu to attend the event as the Special Guest of Honour.
As anticipation builds, the call for unity resonates strongly among Yoruba communities at home and in the diaspora. The 26th anniversary celebration stands as a testament to the enduring strength of Yoruba identity, values, and the shared vision for a prosperous and united future.
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