IBB, Sanwo-Olu, others extol Erelu Kuti for promoting cultural values

Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, as well as the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have congratulated the Erelu Kuti VI of Lagos and Erelu Yeye Oodua of the Source, Abiola Dosumu, on the 50th anniversary of her coronation.

Other dignitaries, who graced the unveiling of the year-long programme held at the Erelu Yeye Odua (EYO) Cultural Centre in Lagos last weekend, also extolled her commitment and dedication to the promotion of the rich cultural heritage of Yoruba across the country since the last 50 years.

In his tribute, Babangida, who was represented by Dame Anthony, noted that Erelu, over the years, has brought cultural essence, honour, candour grandeur and elegance to the title she held, making her a model for the upcoming Nigerians.

He lauded the celebrant for her positive conduct and subliminal humility, which had helped her in promoting her cultural heritage.

He said: “Your disposition to this title and the way you have conducted yourself in the past 50 years of this title are eloquent testimonies to your uncommon grit and gravitas. You are not just a thoroughbred traditional personality and cultural icon whose contributions to our cultural heritage has remained unblemished, you epitomised the patriotic zeal that helps society to flourish in the most profound way.”

While describing her as a shining light, Lagos State is proud to have, Sanwo-Olu, in his remark, noted that her appointment 50 years ago was unmistakable, adding that she has continued to embody the cultural attire and cultural essence of the Yoruba culture.

Sanwo-Olu, who advised those coming behind her to emulate the path of cultural values and peace she has constantly preached, reminded that, “nobody will teach us our culture and tradition better than ourselves. And it is only when we preserve and hold them that the entire world can indeed be part of it.”

He said: “She has demonstrated and shown to all of us that she was a proper choice because you have kept faith with our tradition as well as the dignity of the office. You have also kept faith with the historical relevance that the Erelu Kuti has in the history of labels.”

Sanwo-Olu also advised the youths to be wary of any decisions they take in their prime age, so that they don’t regret their actions in the future.

According to him, “it is not about what you are today but who you will be in your 20, 40 and 50 years from today. And what you cannot stand for in your 20, 30 years and project that how will people view me, think about it twice, because at age 27 when she was crowned, she couldn’t have imagined what life holds for her.”

Equally, the Chairperson, Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum and Wife of Kwara State Governor, Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, said the remarkable feat demonstrated by the Erelu Kuti has revealed that women could be trusted with roles and responsibilities in the society.

She said, this, “coronation anniversary is indeed a milestone and a testament to the enduring role she has played in promoting our values and traditions and the remarkable impacts she has made as a worthy custodian of our culture heritage.”

She, therefore, called for more opportunities for women in decision making roles, emphasising the need for gender balance.

She said: “While women are not intrinsically vulnerable, their socio-economic and political conditions make them susceptible to risks and vulnerability. It is however, essential to recognise that these vulnerabilities are embedded in socio and political processes and the current gaps in the development that reinforces them. However, in the face of these challenges, the Yoruba traditional culture places a very high premium on women and this evident in women inclusion in the management of Yoruba tradition society, our Erelu is a dear example of this.”

In her remarks, the elated celebrant expressed deep appreciation to her well-wishers for the honour as well as the breathtaking remarks, she described as overwhelming.

She described the last 50 years as that of mixture of bitter and sweet, noting that God has never left her side for minute.

Dignitaries at the event include former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, among others.