Egba monarchs to meet on how to revive Yoruba culture

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By Sola AJIBIKE (Abeokuta)

‎NIGERIA: TRADITIONAL rulers in Egbaland in Ogun State will gather at a seminar to discuss on how to prevent Yoruba culture and language from‎ going into extinction.

The Towulade of Akinale, Oba Olufemi Ogunleye, who is convener of the one day seminar, told GatewayMail on Thursday, that the seminar, where the traditional rulers will parley on their obligations to protect Yoruba language, culture and values, will hold on Thursday, August 17 at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta.

Oba Ogunleye stated that the seminar, which is the brainchild of Village Network, a Non-Governmental Organisation, is in pursuit of rural empowerment through education.

He maintained that there has been apprehension that the Yoruba language, culture and ancient values are fast dying due to incursion of foreign cultures.

According to him, the Professor of African Philosophy and author of “Socrates and Orunmila – two patron Saints of classical philosophy,” Professor Sophie Oluwole, will discuss “Yoruba Nation – wither the kings?” at the event.

The traditional ruler explained that Oluwole would advocate the jural relationship of the traditional rulers and their subjects, a topic that is currently topical, considering the spiral debates on sovereignty of ethnic groups in Nigeria.

He further said that ace broadcaster in the defunct Western Nigeria Broadcasting Service (WNBS), Oladipo Yemitan, will also speak on the core of the day’s seminar – sustainability of Yoruba Language, culture and values – a catalyst towards eradication of social vices including corruption in our society.

Oba Ogunleye also said that a university don and lawyer, Dr. Ade Adeleke, will also dwell on Alternative Dispute Resolutions as means to foster intra and inter community relationships with focus on land and boundary disputes among neighbours.

He maintained that discussions on national security challenges and the impact of social media, and the expected roles of traditional rulers, will be taken by an official of a relevant security agency in the country.

Oba Ogunleye, who is the Chairman of Village Network, said that the President of Egba Traditional Council who is the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, will be the Chairman of the occasion, while former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is the Chief Guest of Honour.

He said that Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, is expected to open the interactive seminar with a remark on the “Rights and obligations of traditional rulers in the governance of Ogun State.”

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