IBADAN – The Agenda for Yoruba Unity, Reconciliation and Integration (AYURI) has called on Yoruba leaders, traditional rulers, stakeholders and the younger generation to embrace unity, preserve the Yoruba cultural heritage and promote educational advancement as part of efforts to secure the future of the race.
The call was made in Ibadan during a special pan-Yoruba gathering held at the MUSWEN Hall, Bestway Bus Stop, Iwo Road, Ibadan, where AYURI formally inaugurated the planning process for the Yoruba Renaissance Summit (YORES 2026), invested its summit chairman and unveiled its official logo.
The event, themed “From Kiriji War to Classroom: 140 Years After Kiriji – ÀBÁ KAN, ORÍ KAN, ÒRÚLÉ KAN, ẸBÍ KAN (One Roof, One Family for Culture, Language and Learning),” brought together traditional rulers, socio-cultural organisations, academics, community leaders and representatives of the Oyo State Government.
Governor Seyi Makinde was represented by the Director of Culture in the Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Okunlola Thomas, on behalf of the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun.
In his keynote address, AYURI Director-General, Bishop (Prince) Ademola George Adegbolagun, said the gathering marked 140 years since the end of the Kiriji War and signified a new phase in the quest for Yoruba unity, reconciliation and development.
He explained that the meeting was convened to formally invest the Chairman of the YORES 2026 Summit, inaugurate the Governing Board and Interim Management Committee, and declare the movement’s commitment to shifting the Yoruba narrative “from the battlefield to the classroom.”
According to him, although the Kiriji Peace Treaty ended armed conflict among Yoruba communities, challenges relating to education, language preservation, economic development and constitutional restructuring still confront the race.
Adegbolagun stressed the need for all Yoruba-speaking communities, both at home and in the diaspora, to unite under a common vision for cultural rebirth and socio-economic advancement.
He disclosed that AYURI would convene the YORES 2026 Summit on September 24, 2026, at the National Museum of Unity, Ibadan, where stakeholders are expected to adopt the Yoruba Accord 2026 on Renaissance and Education Protection.
The accord, he said, would advocate compulsory Yoruba language education up to Senior Secondary School level, educational reforms rooted in Yoruba values, heritage tourism development, community policing, economic revitalisation and constitutional restructuring based on true federalism.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Makinde, Mr. Okunlola Thomas underscored the importance of preserving Yoruba cultural identity, describing the language, dressing, greetings and communal values as defining characteristics of the Yoruba people.
He urged youths to participate actively in cultural renaissance initiatives, noting that the responsibility of preserving Yoruba heritage rests with both leaders and the younger generation.
“Our culture and our way of life define who we are. It is the responsibility of today’s leaders to ensure that these values are not allowed to disappear,” he said.
Chairman of the occasion and Chairman of the YORES 2026 Summit, Ambassador Chief (Dr.) Pop B. A. Ade-Banjo, described the initiative as a new beginning for the liberation and advancement of the Yoruba race.
He called on traditional rulers, political leaders, socio-cultural organisations and all Yoruba sons and daughters to set aside differences and work together for the peace, security and prosperity of Yorubaland.
Ade-Banjo stressed that only a united Yoruba nation could effectively address contemporary challenges confronting the people.
Also speaking, Afenifere chieftain, Chief Goodi Olusoji, attributed the gradual erosion of Yoruba culture to modern civilisation and political developments, urging parents to deliberately instil Yoruba values and traditions in their children.
Similarly, Comrade (Dr.) Oluwakemi Aremu appealed to Yoruba leaders and traditional rulers to take proactive measures to safeguard the interests of the race and secure a better future for coming generations.
Comrade (Dr) Oluwakemi Aremu in her submission admonished Yoruba leaders to take appropriate steps to address problems undermining development of the Yoruba race, in order not to endanger the future of the coming generation.
She charged the Royal fathers to take their rightful position in ensuring that the Yoruba territories are protected and return the Yoruba race to prime position.
Other stakeholders who addressed the gathering unanimously emphasised the need for greater unity among Yoruba people in confronting common socio-economic and cultural challenges.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Certificate of Investiture to Ambassador Chief Pop B. A. Ade-Banjo as President of AYURI and Co-Chairman. The exercise was done by the Convener of the programme Bishop (Prince) Ademola Adegbolagun and the Mr Okunlola Thomas, on behalf of the Oyo State Governor.
The programme also featured the official unveiling of the AYURI logo and the presentation of members of the organisation’s executive committee.
The programm had in attendance dignitaries including Prince Hassan Ademola Adegbite, Coordinator, Peace and Community Welfare Center, Oyo Alaafin, Olori Mojibade Ade-Banjo, Chief Adeola Maja, Comrade Waheed Adenitis, Engr. (Dr) Ajibola Abiola from the Rebirth Group and many others.
Among dignitaries present were leaders of Afenifere, Yoruba Unity Forum, Apapo Omo Oodua, Oodua Redemption Alliance, OPC, Oodua National Congress (ONC), Agbekoya, media executives including the editor of Oodua News Newspaper, Comrade Richard Thomas and other prominent Yoruba stakeholders from across the South-West.
