It was a day of celebrating culture and tradition of Yoruba land as crème de la crème in the society at the International Center for Yoruba Arts & Culture (Yoruba World Center) located within the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State on Sunday to celebrate the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olalekan Balogun, who marked 100 days on the throne.
The event, which was organized in collaboration with the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Oyo State Ministry of Information, Culture & Tourism, Alaroye Group of Newspapers and Tunde Odunlade Arts Gallery was themed ‘The Dancing Steps of Olubadan: An afternoon of Yoruba (Ibadan) Traditional Poems and Drums.
Speaking at the gathering, which had traditional rulers, custodians of culture, and theater art practitioners, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, called on traditional rulers in the country to continue to play a vital role in securing their communities and domains.
Osinbajo, who was represented by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Niyi Akintola, said the roles of traditional rulers in the security of lives and property could not be overemphasized, saying that there is need for them to live up to expectations especially at a time the nation is bedeviled with security challenges.
The Vice President also implored traditional rulers in Yorubaland to always enlighten the people to prevent acts capable of causing division among the race.
While commending the organizers of the event, Professor Osinbajo heaped praises on the Olubadan of Ibadanland for his fatherly role which had come to bear within his first 100 days on the throne. He said that occasions like this are crucial to preserving Yoruba Culture.
In his remark, chairman on the occasion and Ọtun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Rashidi Ladoja, who was represented by the former Secretary to the State Government, Bar. Sharafadeen Allí, urged the Yorubas not to allow anything, especially politics to bring disunity among them.
Convener of the event and Publisher of Alaroye newspaper, Mr. Alao Adedayo, said the ceremony was organized to promote and showcase the rich culture of Yoruba to the world.
