Yoruba cultural heritage must be sustained, Ogun commissioner says

Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sesan Fagbayi, has expressed concern over the continued promotion of foreign cultures and languages at the expense of Yorùbá Language and cultural heritage.

Fagbayi said this at the second Solo Photography Exhibition of Mustapha Alogba on Adire Lens, organised to discuss ‘The Adire Heritage: Pathway to Cultural Preservation and Financial Prosperity, held at Banquet Hall, June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Fagbayi, represented by the Ministry’s Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs. Samuel Olubukola, warned that a culture that is neglected is at risk of extinction, expressed worry that borrowed culture is fast eroding Yoruba culture and tradition.

One of the panelists at the exhibition, Dr. Tunde Kelani, also lamented the fact that children are now required to pass English Language before gaining admission into the university, with Yoruba language and culture being given less importance.

Kelani, highlighted the fact that traditional Yoruba practices, such as daughters kneeling down and sons prostrating to greet, are also gradually fading away, thus urged a rethink.

While congratulating the organisers of the programme, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Motunrayo Adeleye, worried that borrowed culture is fast eroding indigenes culture, “we used to dress in traditional attires but that practice is fast going into extinction. We are all guilty of adoption of borrowed culture. Yoruba culture is rich but we do not appreciate what belongs to us.

“Let us promote our culture. We are fond of speaking English Language while we discard Yoruba Language and culture. When you get to China, Italy, Turkey, Bulgaria and other parts of the world, they speak their various languages. Here, they would say that without passing English Language, our children cannot gain admission into the university.”

Mrs. Bola Yinka-Obebe, founder SpeakEde said: “Our daughters can no longer kneel down while our sons cannot prostrate to greet. This is uncharitable. We should have a rethink and retrace our steps. Yoruba people are rich in culture and we are blessed in commerce. We are hardworking and we work for survival.”

Earlier, the convener, Mr. Mustapha Alogba stressed the need to introduce cultural training into the secondary school education curriculum, emphasised the importance of making conscious efforts to preserve the Yoruba culture and tradition and to encourage the upcoming generation.

Dignitaries at the occasion were notable personalities such as High Chief (Sir) Charles Olufemi Keshinro, Odofin Of Ilara-Epe Kingdom, Ilara, Epe, Lagos, Barr. Z.A. Ajibola, Registrar, Crescent University, Ogun State, Mr. Emmanuel Ikwe, Director of Visual Arts, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ogun State, Mrs. Yemisi Dawodu, Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Trade, Prince Yemisi Shyllon, the Largest Private Art Collector in Africa, among others.

Gbenga Olumide