Honour for Lagos assembly speaker, Mudasiru Obasa

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has urged traditional rulers in the Southwest to continue protecting the culture and tradition of their people by constantly speaking the Yoruba language.

Obasa made the plea at the palace of the Olota of Ota, Oba Adeyemi Obalange, where he was honoured with the traditional title of Jagunmolu Taiyese of Ota Awori Kingdom.

While thanking the Olota for the honour, Obasa commended the monarch for propagating the Yoruba tradition, saying this has reflected in the way the monarch and the Olota-in-Council spoke Yoruba language all through the event.

He said: “Beyond your educational status, you still limited yourself to our own mother tongue. I have been to many places and have always maintained that royal fathers should always distinguish our culture before anyone and in any place.

“They can do this by using our mother tongue to communicate with whoever the visitor is, no matter the status and wherever he comes from. That is one of the sure ways we can propagate and preserve our customs and tradition.”

Obasa stressed that this informed the decision of the Lagos Assembly to carry out plenary activities in the native language on Thursdays, reasoning that promoting the language during sessions would help more residents understand some of the laws that guide their daily activities.

He urged parents to speak the language at home, as understanding one’s native language does not hinder one from speaking English fluently.

The event had in attendance, several Lagos and Ogun State top government officials, royal fathers, and eminent politicians, including illustrious sons and daughters of Ota Awori kingdom.

Oba Obalange lauded Obasa’s selfless acts and commitments to the development of Awori land, urging him to remain dedicated to those ideals that would benefit humanity.

He commended the Speaker for the success his leadership of the House had registered, noting that its activities have also positively impacted Awori people in the state.