The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II has officially confirmed attending the Annual Global Yoruba History and Heritage Celebration holding in Abeokuta, Ogun State on May 21, 2024.
He has also pledged to mobilise all the governors of the South-West states to attend and support the event which coincides with the United Nations Cultural Diversity Day celebrated every May 21 worldwide.
Also expected at the event are the Balogun of Owu and former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, traditional rulers from the South West states, Yoruba cultural groups of diverse origin, Yoruba cultural troupes and performers among others.
Ogunwusi pledged his full support and confirmed his readiness to attend the event on Tuesday in his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State when the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the of event led by the wife of Olowu of Owu, Olori Aminat Matemilola paid him a courtesy call to intimate him about the activities lined up for the event as well as the essence of holding the annual global event.
He said:”What you have come for is a laudable project and I am pledging my full support. This is the whole essence of why I am seated on this throne as the Ooni of Ife and I can’t but throw my full weight behind the idea.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the LOC, Dr. Tola Adenekan informed that the project being supported by cultural icons based in the diaspora such as the United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada among others is to rally all Yoruba people across the world to designate a week for the celebration of Yoruba Culture and heritage.
Also speaking, the Orunto of Owu Kingdom, Chief Oladimaeji Lasile, also a member of the LOC, observed that the programme has the full backing of the Olowu of Owu, Oba Professor Saka Matemilola and it is meant to ensure the preservation and sustainable of the Yoruba cultural heritage and traditions.
In the entourage is the Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in Ogun State, Mr. Waheed Ogunjobi, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Youths, Comrade Olamide Lawal among others.
