December 19, (THEWILL) – Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, has called on parents of Yoruba descent to prioritize teaching their children the Yoruba language, warning that neglecting the language could invoke ancestral displeasure.
Elemide made this statement on Tuesday during the Omoluwabi Festival, organized by Princess Adejoke Somoye, popularly known as Ewaede, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. The Speaker lamented the decline in the use of Yoruba among younger generations, urging parents to ensure the language and culture do not fade into extinction.
He said, “Our ancestors are displeased because we no longer speak Yoruba.
“English is not our ancestral language, and when our children speak Yoruba at home, some parents discourage them, calling it ‘vernacular.’ This must stop. Yoruba is not just a language; it embodies our values and identity.”
The Speaker also shed light on the origin of the term “Yoruba,” explaining its historical significance and urging Yoruba people to embrace their cultural roots.
“Religion and culture are intertwined, and preserving our traditions is key to instilling the ‘Omoluwabi’ virtues in our children. An Omoluwabi is someone of impeccable character, a person who acts in ways pleasing to Olodumare (God),” he added.
Elemide commended Princess Somoye and the Ewade Foundation for their commitment to promoting Yoruba culture through the Omoluwabi Festival. He called on all Yoruba people, including politicians, artisans, musicians, traditional rulers, and parents, to embody the values of integrity, diligence, and good character.
Earlier, Princess Somoye explained that the Omoluwabi Festival was established to celebrate individuals who exemplify virtues such as truth, integrity, diligence, and hard work. She emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating these values in a society that often prioritizes wealth over character.
“The awardees were selected based on their demonstration of Omoluwabi traits. It is crucial for younger generations to adopt these virtues to preserve and elevate Yoruba culture and heritage,” Somoye said.
Notable award recipients included filmmaker Tunde Kelani of Mainframe Productions, industrialist Alhaji IBD Dende, Chief Ayo Biobaku of QMB, and, posthumously, Chief Alaba Lawson and Alhaji Fatai Gbemisola (Fatgbems).
