The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has confirmed his attendance at the Annual Global Yoruba History and Heritage Celebration, scheduled to hold in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
The event, which coincides with the United Nations Cultural Diversity Day, will also be graced by the Balogun of Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta, and former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR, a renowned custodian of culture.
Other dignitaries expected at the event include traditional rulers from the South-West states, Yoruba cultural groups from diverse backgrounds, and talented Yoruba cultural troupes and performers.
The Ooni has also pledged to mobilize the governors of the South-West states to attend and support the celebration, which aims to promote and preserve Yoruba history and heritage.
The confirmation of the Ooni’s attendance was made when the Local Organising Committee of the Annual Global Yoruba History and Heritage Celebration, led by Olori Ameenat Adeleye Matemilola, wife of the Olowu of Owu Abeokuta, paid him a courtesy visit at his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The committee briefed the Ooni on the event’s schedule of activities and the significance of hosting the annual global celebration.
Oba Ogunwusi 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. My forth is cultural promotion and preservation and I must let you know that this programme meant a lot to me and I am assuring you that I will personally grace the occasion”.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the event, 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 Dr Oladimaeji Lasile who is also a member of the Local Organising Committee observed that the programme has the full backing of the Olowu of Owu Kingdom Abeokuta Oba Professor Saka Matemilola and it is meant to ensure the preservation and sustainable of the Yoruba cultural heritage and traditions and it is going to be celebrated annually.
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.
