Chief Gbemisoye Ayano, the special guest at the second anniversary of Yorùbá Lákotun dedicated to the late playwright, actor and broadcast journalist, Alàgbà Adébáyò Fálétí, said this recently in Lagos.
Speaking at the quarterly Yorùbá cultural renaissance programme, held at Ethnic Heritage Centre, Ikoyi, Ayano, the author of Ife Ikokoo, Ayedaade; Ogani Tisa, Aseju Baba Asete and Akojopo Ewi Gbefe lamented that Yorùbá writers had not been encouraged by major publishers who assumed that such works were not economically viable. He, however, noted that Yorùbá books were being used at all levels of education in Nigeria and had gained global prominence.
The Afedetunluuto Akomolede Ipinle Osun and Aare Onpabi-ede Yoruba ti Ogba Yunifasiti Ife, stressed that Yorùbá was peculiar and encouraged writers to write properly with tonal marks.
“I want to urge my fellow writers in the language to ensure that tonal marks are used in Yorùbá literature. Once the tonal marks are missing; the meaning of the word might not be easily comprehended by the reader,” Ayano said at the event hosted by Olútáyò Ìrántíolá.
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Corroborating Ayano, another upcoming Yorùbá poet, Lanre Ari-Ajia, said his ability to read and write Yoruba poetry set him apart during a poetry event.
He urged other young writers in Yorùbá language to keep writing because they would be preserving the history, culture and tradition of the race for posterity.
Other highlights of the event included poetry recitals to celebrate the Golden jubilee of Lagos State; entertainment news update; reading of Fálétí’spoems and singing some of his popular songs.
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