There’s liberation in Yoruba language, says Adams

Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has said that Yoruba language is one of the contents of liberation for the race, insisting that no country can develop without promoting its culture, tradition, and heritage.

He made the assertion in Ira, Kwara State, at the weekend during the 2019 edition of the Oya Festival.

Adams, who is the chief promoter of Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF), also urged the Yoruba to emulate Brazil in ensuring that the race took its pride of place in the world.

He applauded Brazilians for promoting the cultural identity of the Yoruba.

“Today, Yoruba language and culture are waxing stronger in Brazil and across South and North America. As much as I know, the Yoruba have failed to use their various gifts and uniqueness. This has affected us as a race. Sadly too, we have never realised the fact that we need to make the right decision on the best way to sustain our heritage and core values.

“Recently, some of us that are keen on promoting this laudable cause are beginning to rise to the challenges.

“It is worthy of note that a few numbers of Nigerians of Yoruba origin have also started creating the awareness on the search for our true identity,” he said.

The Onira of Ira, Oba Abdul Wahab Oyewole, applauded the initiative of the OFF for using the Oya festival to expose the tourism potential of the community.

He added, “Aare Onakakanfo has done well for the Yoruba nation, especially in the area of cultural rebirth and promotion than his predecessors.

“No Aare in Yoruba history has done what Adams has done. The late Akintola and Abiola, during their times, were influential. They did their best, but they never sought the liberty that was inherent in cultural rebirth and rejuvenation.

“So, with this, I am sure posterity will definitely judge Aare Gani Adams for being at the centre of liberating the Yoruba race, by using cultural promotions as tools to liberate the race from socio-cultural bondage.”

The guest lecturer, Odukoya Olabisi, said the ancient town would always remember the courage of Oya as goodness for her exemplary disposition.

He explained that Oya had remained a great model for Yoruba women.