…Set To Improve, Upgrade Yoruba Dictionary
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, yesterday hosted Imodoye Cultural Group to honour the Okeigbo born late writer, author, Daniel Olorunfemi Fagunwa.
The culturally inclined Oluwo equally collaborated with Imodoye Concept led by the son of the late legend, Chief Diipo Fagunwa to improve and upgrade Yoruba Dictionary.
The event marking the 59years post humours departure of late Fagunwa witnessed a stage play of a part of his play, Àdìtú Olodumare” held at the House of Olodumare,Oluwo’s palace, Iwo.
Historically, the play has never been staged before because the playwright has it in mind to see the House of God (Ile Olodumare). Until recently when his children listened to Oluwo’s message and got convinced to stage it in Oluwo’s palace.
Concerned by many loopholes in Yoruba words and language, and the failure of Yoruba professors to do the expected, Oluwo expressed readiness to collaborate with Imodoye Concept to fill the vacuum in Yoruba expressions by conceptualizing new words/name for objects without Yoruba tag.
He said Yoruba language is heavily depends on English, and further call on volunteers to join the rescue team to strengthen Yoruba language.
“We are here today to honour the honourable and mark the 59th years departure of the late Okeigbo born writer/author/playwright, Daniel Olorunfemi Fagunwa for his legendary contribution to Yoruba language. His death has created a vacuum in the advancement of Yoruba language and expressions. His literary contribution to Yoruba knowledge and teachings is superlative”
“We have agreed and concluded to commence review, improvement and upgrade of Yoruba words and languag, such that, all objects, metric and existence will have suitable Yoruba name/tag. What Yoruba Professors have failed to challenge will be achieved through formidable teams”
“It’s a big shame that Yoruba is heavily dependent on English. Yorubas cannot freely speak their language without borrowing other language mostly especially English. We cannot fold our arms while this persist. We hereby call on volunteers to rescue our language from going into extinction. It’s only through this the government can mandate teaching in local language for our children”
“I must commend his son, Chief Diipo Fagunwa for retaining the legacy of his father by conceptualizing “Imodoye Concept”. One other spectacular feature of Fagunwa was, he was a fateful man who trusted only in “Olodumare””
Other members of Imodoye Concept are Agbasaga of Ila Orangun, Chief Kayode Samuel and Barrister Femi Kehinde.
