Calls for the preservation of Yoruba language and stronger unity among stakeholders dominated discussions at the United Nations Day of Indigenous Languages celebration held in Lagos.
The event, organised at Oodua House by the Olokun Festival Foundation under the leadership of Gani Adams, brought together cultural advocates, academics and community leaders to reflect on safeguarding indigenous heritage.
Among the speakers was Aare Oladotun Hassan, President of the Yoruba Council Worldwide, who urged renewed commitment to protecting the Yoruba language from gradual erosion. He proposed that the day be formally recognised as “Yoruba Language Day (Ayajo Ede Yoruba)” in commemoration of the UN observance.
Hassan also called on Adams, the 15th Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, to leverage his position to mobilise Yoruba people globally towards strengthening cultural preservation, enhancing security and safeguarding the collective heritage of the region.
He commended Adams for his longstanding role in promoting Yoruba festivals and cultural identity, as well as his advocacy for the security of Yoruba communities. Adams was conferred the title of Aare Onakakanfo by the late Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III in recognition of his contributions to Yorubaland.
Beyond cultural advocacy, Hassan proposed the convening of a National Emergency Meeting of Yoruba stakeholders to be led by Adams in engagement with President Bola Tinubu. According to him, such dialogue should address security, social welfare, economic growth and peaceful coexistence among traditional rulers and community leaders.
He further suggested the strengthening of regional security architecture through collaboration among socio-cultural and community-based groups, including the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and Amotekun, to complement federal security efforts.
Hassan also advocated the establishment of licensed Yoruba-language radio and television stations dedicated to promoting development discourse, teaching Omoluabi values and reinforcing cultural education.
Highlighting the initiatives of the Yoruba Council Worldwide, he referenced programmes such as the Omoluabi School Club, the Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide, the Yoruba Council of Women Worldwide and the Yoruba Council of Obas Worldwide. He noted that the council’s flagship event, the Omoluabi International Festival Day recognised as “Yoruba Day” is observed every May 1, with this year’s 27th edition scheduled to hold in Ile-Ife, Osun State, alongside the Omoluabi Royal Icon (ORI) Awards.
The summit concluded with renewed appeals for unity, peace and progressive development across Yorubaland.
