Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin (Ige Olakilehin 1), and the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, have endorsed the proposed World Headdress Day Celebration.
Chairman, Board of Trustees of Ọmọ Yorùbá Àtàtà Socio-Cultural Initiative (ỌYÀSI), Ogbeni Olawale Ajao, led members of the initiative on a courtesy visit to the Olubadan Palace on Tuesday to formally introduce the World Headdress Day project and receive royal blessings.
In his remarks, Ogbeni Ajao highlighted the significance of headdresses in Yoruba culture and beyond.
He said: “While caps are meant for mere adornment in many cultures, they serve spiritual, social and medical purposes in Yorubaland.
“Through the World Headdress Day, we aim to showcase the diverse significance of headdresses globally, revealing their usefulness in solving human problems.”
Ajao announced that the maiden edition of the World Headdress Day Celebration will hold at 10 am on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at the Single Tennis Court, Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
The chairman, Board of Trustees of Ọmọ Yorùbá Àtàtà Socio-cultural Initiative added that efforts are ongoing to secure the recognition of the day by UNESCO.
Representing the Olubadan, the Ekẹfa Balogun of Ibadanland, High-Chief Raufu Amusa Eleruweere, commended the initiative, describing it as laudable and necessary for preserving Yoruba culture.
He urged the leadership of ỌYÀSI to ensure that Oba Owolabi Olakulehin is formally invited to the event.
He said “this project is vital because many of our people no longer value our culture, while others, including foreigners, are beginning to adopt elements of it, such as tying gele (headgear).”
Earlier, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun had expressed his support for the project during a meeting with ỌYÀSI leadership at his office in Agodi, Ibadan.
The courtesy visits also had in attendance prominent figures such as the President of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Ajeniyi Ajewole; Chairman of Ibadan Baale, Baale Taye Ayọrinde; Baale Ọladapọ Wasiu (Baale of Aror) and Aremo Olubadan, Prince Sumbo Owolabi Olakulehin.
The World Headdress Day Celebration aims to promote cultural preservation, global recognition, and the practical uses of headdresses across different cultures worldwide.
