… as Yoruba National Day festival holds in Nigeria, UK
All roads lead to the ancient City of Ibadan,the Oyo state capital as eminent Nigerians from all walks of life would be attending the Yoruba National Day Celebration holding on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at the Western Hall of the State House of Assembly, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan
A statement made available to newsmen by the Aare-Apapo (President-General)
Agbarijo Egbe Odo Yoruba (Grand Council of Yoruba Youths), organiser of the event in Nigeria, Comrade Awa Bamiji affirmed that the event which he described as a national gathering, would commence at 11 am and will feature the conferment of awards to President Bola Tinubu, Ooni of Ife, HIM Oba Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, the Olubadan of Ibadanland HIM Oba Dr. Senator Lekan Balogun , Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Chief Asari Dokubo, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, Chief Frank Kokori among others.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu, as well as the six governors of the south west states are also special guest of honour at the epoch making event .
Other special guests expected are: Araba Ifayemi Elebuibon, Araba of Osogbo; Prof (Mrs.) Bolanle Awe; Ola), Yoruba Veteran Actor;
Chief Lere Paimo , Prof Sabitu Ariyo Olagoke JP, the Spiritual Leader of Shafaudeen In Islam Worldwide; Dr Olu Agunloye, former Minister of Iron and Steel Development and Comrade Moshood Erubami, Convener, Voters’ Assembly.
Chief Adebisi Akande, former Interim National Chairman of All Progressives’ Congress (APC) (South) would be the Chairman of occasion while General Buba Marwa (Rtd) from Adamawa State (North) would Co – Chair this gathering. Hosts are the leading June 12 activists in and outside Nigeria to be coordinated by His Excellency, Chief Iyiola Oladokun, former Deputy Governor of Oyo State.
Dr Kunle Olajide, former Secretary, Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) and Chief (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi, former first Lady of Oyo State are father and mother of the day respectively.
The annual lecture: “Tinubu, Oke Agba l’ogun yi o, ni Oruko Yoruba, ko mo gbodo baje o”, “Tinubu, you are No 1 in Nigeria Today, through Yoruba Presidency, try and serve well”, which would be in form of admonition would be delivered by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife; Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, Chairman, Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) who is also a notable leader of Afenifere and Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Chairman, Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF), all representing most audible Platforms of Yorubaland.
“The Royal fathers of the day are their Imperial Majesties, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II and Oba (Senator) Dr Mahud Olalekan Balogun Ali Okunmade II, Ooni of Ife and Olubadan of Ibadanland respectively.
” The laudable contributions of various individuals and Organisations, from different regions in Nigeria, most especially, the members of Nigerian Traditional Council, to the electoral victory of Mr President would be publicly acknowledged same day through annual presentation of beautiful Odu’a award plaques to the awardees.
“The reconciliatory efforts of our Royal fathers before the APC Presidential Primary in Abuja remain evergreen in our memories.
” This Group, founded October 2001, 22 years ago, inside Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State with the blessings of prominent leaders in Yorubaland as well as their bosom friends from far North including former, but then sitting, Governor Buka Abba Ibrahim of Yobe State and General Buba Marwa (Rtd) from Adamawa State, has been doing wonders in promotion Yoruba Language, Arts and Culture, across the Globe, simply because we have committed Leaders, individuals and organisations, apart from ever focused members, sharing our vision and are ever supportive of our stream of ideas.
“It therefore, gladdens our hearts to inform you that some of our ever consistent Leaders would equally be celebrating Yoruba National Day same day in unity, with beautiful display of Yoruba Heritage, Culture, Art, music, fashion, pegeantries, and food among others, which is a family day event to mark end of 16 year Kiriji war in Yorubaland that brought all Omluabi together under a roof as one.
Comrade Awa Bamiji said the Yoruba National Day celebrations will also be held simultaneously with that of Ibadan in the United Kingdom
He said the event is scheduled to take place at Concord House, 23 27, Kemp Road, Dagenham RMS 1st in London, between 2pm to 8pm. It would address importance of indigenous language in technological advancement.
“The special guests of honour at the event are: Ibadan High Chief Lekan Alabi, Maye Olubadan of Ibadanland, and 1st Cultural Ambassador of Ile-Ife Museum and Monument, Alhaji Sarafa Tunji Isola , Ambassador (Dr) Modupe Enitan Irele, Nigerian High Commissioner to United Kingdom and Nigerian Ambassador to Hungary respectively.
” Royal fathers of the day are: Oba Olushola Alao (Olugbon of Orile-Igbon), Oba Oladipo Olaniyan, Oba (Prof.) Adeyemi Obalanlege (Olota of Ota) while special Award will be presented to Kareem Adeyemi (Borrussia Dortmund Striker).
“Keynote Speakers are Barrister Dele Ogun, Bamidele Malik Adeolu and Dr Gbenga Fagborun (Borusia Dortmund Striker)
“Note: Special prayers would be offered for Yoruba Nation, Nigeria, Africa as a Continent and Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Leader of Afenifere @ 97, in both venues.
“Maximum security guaranteed throughout this annual Celebration as we call on peace loving individuals and cultural enthusiasts to come and enjoy themselves in any of these 2 Venues they find accessible between Ibadan and United Kingdom.
Odu’a a gbewa o!”, organiser of the event in Nigeria further stated.
