Alaafin restates commitment to uplifting Yoruba heritage, culture

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has restated his commitment to the global promotion of Yoruba heritage.

Oba Owoade made the pledge on Friday when he received the executive members of the ‘Ọmọ Yorùbá Àtàtà Socio-Cultural Initiative’ (ỌYÀSI) in Oyo Town.

Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of ỌYÀSI, Mr. Ọlawale Ajao, said the purpose of the visit was to inform the Alaafin about the initiative, which focuses on the promotion of Yoruba cultural heritage.

“ỌYÀSI is an initiative registered under the Corporate Affairs Commission, primarily established to promote Yoruba culture and tradition on a global scale.

“One of our flagship initiatives is a proposed annual ‘World Head-dress Day,’ with the aim of securing international recognition for the head-dress, whereby a day will be set aside by UNESCO as World Head-dress Day,” Ajao said.

He explained that the proposed World Head-dress Day deserves global recognition and added that the annual event would boost the economy of Yorubaland and Nigeria at large.

In his remarks, the Alaafin, who emphasized the uniqueness of Yoruba culture and traditions, expressed his willingness to collaborate with ỌYÀSI toward the promotion and development of Yoruba cultural heritage and values.