The Yoruba Council Worldwide has reiterated the urgent need to protect indigenous language, strengthen regional security collaboration and promote deeper unity across Yorubaland.
The call was made during the United Nations Day of Indigenous Languages celebration held at Oodua House, Lagos, and hosted by the Olokun Festival Foundation under the leadership of Iba Abdulganiyu Abiodun Ige Adams, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland.
The event brought together cultural advocates, academics and key stakeholders, including Honourable S.O.B. Agunbiade, former Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, and Dr. Olabode Abimbola of Lagos State University.
Push for Recognition of “Yoruba Language Day”
In his address, Aare Oladotun Hassan, Esq., President of the Yoruba Council Worldwide, advocated for stronger institutional measures to preserve the Yoruba language. He proposed that the global observance be locally recognised as “Yoruba Language Day – Ayajo Ede Yoruba” in commemoration of the United Nations Day of Indigenous Languages.
He stressed that language remains the foundation of identity, history and civilisation, urging Yoruba people across the globe to unite in safeguarding their linguistic heritage and cultural legacy.
Aare Hassan further called on Aare Gani Adams to utilise his respected position to rally Yoruba indigenes worldwide towards collective protection of language, cultural heritage and the security of Yorubaland.
Commendation of Cultural and Security Advocacy
The Yoruba Council Worldwide President commended Aare Gani Adams for his longstanding commitment to cultural preservation and security advocacy. He noted that his conferment as the 15th Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland by the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, was a recognition of merit and service.
He also highlighted Adams’ sustained involvement in promoting major Yoruba cultural festivals, including Olokun, Oduduwa, Olodumare and Odun Iya celebrations, describing his contributions as consistent and impactful over the years.
Proposal for Stakeholders’ Engagement with the Presidency
Beyond cultural advocacy, Aare Oladotun Hassan proposed a National Emergency Meeting of Yoruba stakeholders to be led by Aare Gani Adams in engagement with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, such a meeting would provide a platform to address critical regional concerns, including:
The establishment of a more advanced National and Regional Security Network Task Force
Enhanced collaboration among socio-cultural and security groups such as OPC, Amotekun, Onyabo, Atunluse, Agbekoya and Folumo
Complementing federal efforts in combating insecurity through structured community-based mechanisms
Addressing social welfare, economic development and grassroots expectations
Promoting peace and unity among Yoruba monarchs and stakeholders
He noted that structured engagement would not only strengthen regional stability but also contribute to national development.
Media Expansion and Promotion of Omoluabi Values
Aare Hassan also advocated the establishment of licensed Yoruba-focused indigenous radio and television stations to deepen conversations on development and promote Omoluabi principles, values and cultural education among younger generations.
He referenced several initiatives under his leadership, including the Omoluabi School Club for primary and secondary students, the Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide, the Yoruba Council of Women Worldwide and the Yoruba Council of Obas Worldwide — all designed to strengthen unity and heritage consciousness.
He further reiterated that the Omoluabi International Festival Day, observed every May 1, remains a recognised Yoruba Day celebration, adding that this year’s 27th edition of the Omoluabi Festival and the Omoluabi Royal Icon (ORI) Awards will hold in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The gathering concluded with renewed calls for broad-based unity, peaceful collaboration among traditional rulers and sustained advocacy aimed at securing the cultural, linguistic and socio-economic future of Yorubaland.
