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The annual National Yoruba Day celebration will hold on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at the Western House, Oyo State House of Assembly complex, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
According to a statement made available to newsmen by the President-General, Grand Council of Yoruba Youths, Comrade Awa Bamiji, the event will commence at 11am.
President Bola Tinubu (GCFR) is the Special Guest of Honour while the six South West governors are the Guests of Honour.
“Our Special Guests are Araba Ifayemi Elebuibon, Araba of Osogbo; Prof (Mrs) Bolanle Awe; veteran Yoruba actor, Chief Lere Paimo (a.k.a Eda Onile Ola); Spiritual Leader of Shafaudeen Islamic Center Worldwide, Prof Sabitu Olagoke (JP); former Minister of Steel Development, Dr Olu Agunloye and Convener, Voters’ Assembly, Comrade Moshood Erubami.
“Former National Chairman of All Progressives’ Congress (APC), Chief Adebisi Akande is the chairman of occasion while General Buba Marwa(Rtd) would be the co-chairman.
“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 the father and mother of the day,” he said.
The annual lecture would be delivered by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife while Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, Chairman, Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos State and notable Leader of Afenifere and Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Chairman, Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF) are also expected at the event.
The Royal Fathers of the day are Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II and Oba Mahud Olalekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, Ooni of Ife and Olubadan of Ibadan land respectively.
“The laudable contributions of various individuals and organisations, from different regions in Nigeria, most especially, members of Nigerian Traditional Council, to the electoral victory of President Bola Tinubu would be publicly acknowledged through the presentation of the beautiful Odu’a Award Plaques.
“This Group, has been doing wonders in promoting Yoruba Language, Arts and Culture, across the globe through our commited leaders, individuals and organisations.
“It, therefore, gladdens our hearts that some of our ever consistent leaders will equally celebrate Yoruba National Day same day in the United Kingdom.
“It will be a celebration of Yoruba heritage, culture, art, music, fashion, pageantries and food among others. It is also a family day event to mark end of Kiriji war in Yoruba land,” the statement noted.
The event will take place at Concord House, 23- 27, Kemp Road, Dagenham RMS 1st, London, between 2pm and 8pm.
“It will address importance of indigenous language in technological advancement.
“The Special Guests of Honour are High Chief Lekan Alabi, first Cultural Ambassador of Ile-Ife Museum and Monument; Alhaji Sarafa Tunji Isola and Ambassador (Dr) Modupe Enitan Irele, Nigerian Higher Commissioner to United Kingdom and Nigerian Ambassador to Hungary respectively.
Keynote Speakers are Barrister Dele Ogun, Bamidele Malik Adeolu and Dr Gbenga Fagborun
“Royal Fathers of the day are Oba Olushola Alao (Olugbon of Orile – Igbon); Oba Oladipo Olaniyan and Oba (Prof) Adeyemi Obalanlege (Olota of Ota). Special Award would be presented to Karim Adeyemi, Borussia Dortmund and Germany Striker.
“Special prayers would also be offered for the Yoruba nation, Nigeria, Africa and Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Leader of Afenifere at both events,” it added.