As the Yoruba Council Worldwide prepares to mark its 26th anniversary, the Olowu of Kuta, His Royal Majesty Oba Hameed Adekunle Makama Oyelude Tegbosun III, has issued a clarion call for unity among Yoruba sons and daughters across the globe. The milestone event is scheduled for May 1st at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Council’s President, Barrister Oladotun Hassan, the Olowu emphasized the importance of fostering unity and preserving the cultural heritage of Yorubaland. He urged all stakeholders to seize the occasion as an opportunity to reconnect with their roots and collectively chart a progressive path for the Yoruba nation.
“I’ve received our son in whom we are well pleased, Barrister Dotun Hassan, the convener of the Yoruba Council Worldwide,” the monarch said. “His mission is to mobilise all Yoruba traditional rulers, thought leaders, and the global Oduduwa family to unite for this landmark gathering. It’s a golden opportunity we must not miss.”
Oba Makama also stressed the need for traditional rulers to uphold neutrality in religious matters, reminding them that their core responsibility lies in the custodianship of culture and tradition.
“I was born a Muslim, but since my ascension to the throne, I have become a father to all. Yoruba traditional rulers must not position themselves as religious leaders. Our calling is cultural, not clerical,” he declared.
In his remarks, Barrister Oladotun Hassan unveiled the theme of the anniversary celebration: “Yoruba Agenda: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”. The event, he noted, would feature insightful lectures by eminent scholars and cultural figures.
Addressing recent speculations of discord among key Yoruba royal institutions, Oladotun dispelled such rumours, affirming that the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo remain united in their commitment to Yoruba advancement.
“There is no rift between our revered monarchs. We must stop the erosion of our values and the online denigration of our elders. That is not the Yoruba way,” he warned.
He also threw his weight behind the proposed Southwest Development Commission and called on Yoruba leaders to actively drive infrastructure, economic revival, and regional integration through collaborative action.
To further institutionalize the role of traditional institutions, Oladotun announced that an appeal has been submitted to President Bola Tinubu for the establishment of a Federal Ministry of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs, distinct from the Ministry of Culture. This move, he said, would enhance the influence of traditional rulers in governance, security, and agriculture.
Additionally, he proposed the formation of a Yoruba Council of Obas Worldwide, aimed at deepening collaboration among monarchs and reinforcing communal bonds. Critical discussions at the May 1st event, he noted, will focus on food security, sustainable agriculture, and regional development.
Highlighting the urgency of agrarian transformation, Oladotun urged southwest governors to convert unused farmlands into productive agricultural hubs tailored to meet the food needs of their states.
The upcoming celebration—also recognized as “Yoruba National Day”—is expected to serve as a unifying platform for dialogue, cultural pride, and strategic planning for the future of the Yoruba race in Nigeria’s evolving sociopolitical landscape.
The Yoruba Council Worldwide has officially invited President Bola Tinubu to grace the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour.
