Ooni, Osinbajo To Launch Yoruba World Centre Project
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, is set to join Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN at the launch of the Yoruba World Centre Project in the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, next Tuesday.
The project, coordinated by the International Centre For Yoruba Arts and Culture (INCEYAC), is said to be one of the best things to happen to the Yoruba people all over the world in recent times.
According to a statement, Oba Adeyeye, while addressing INCEYAC team led by the initiator and Publisher of Alaroye Newspapers, Mr. Alao Adedayo, in his palace, said: “I am sincerely glad that you respected children of Yoruba land have decided to institute a centre for the study of our language and culture.
“In fact, I will say I am excited. History and posterity will not forget you in a hurry because what you are doing is going to ensure that our culture and tradition are preserved.”
In addition to commending Alagba Alao Adedayo and his team, the Ooni also pledged that he will be ready to collaborate and also play whatever role is necessary to make the project a success.
The Ooni said: “This is the right moment for all Yoruba sons and daughters to proudly come together to ensure that this project is successful. We need this to enhance our unity as a major Nigerian ethnic group.”
Responding, Alagba Alao Adedayo submitted that the aim of putting the project together is to ensure that there is documentation and proper care for old records, traditional tools and historical materials.
The INCEYAC team that visited the Ooni included reknown cinematographer, Tunde Kelani and Dr Adeola Faleye of the Obafemi Awolowo University.
In addition to the Ooni of Ife and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, others billed to attend the event are all the South-West governors, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senator Bola Tinubu, Pa Ayo Adebanjo and General Alani Akinrinade (rtd), among many other eminent Yoruba sons and daughters.