Olowu Of Kuta, Yoruba Leader Call for Unity Ahead Of May 1st Yoruba Council Anniversary In Abeokuta

By Boluwatife Adedokun &Tosin Olasunkanmi, Osogbo

As preparations intensify for the 26th anniversary of the Yoruba Council Worldwide, the Olowu of Kuta, Oba Hameed Adekunle Makama Oyelude Tegbosun III, has called on Yoruba sons and daughters across the globe to embrace unity and join in the celebration slated for May 1 at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The monarch, speaking on Wednesday, during a courtesy visit by the President of the Yoruba Council Worldwide, Barrister Oladotun Hassan, emphasized the need for cultural unity and harmony in Yorubaland.

According to Oba Makama, the forthcoming event is a unique opportunity for the Yoruba people to gather, reconnect with their heritage, and collectively strategize for the development of the race.

“I’ve received our son in whom we are well pleased, the convener of Yoruba Council Worldwide, Barrister Dotun Hassan.

His mission is clear, to mobilise all Yoruba traditional rulers, opinion leaders, and every son and daughter of Oduduwa to come together for this great gathering. It’s a golden opportunity,” he said.

The Olowu also used the platform to emphasize the need for traditional rulers to remain neutral in religious matters, noting that their primary role is to preserve and protect Yoruba culture and heritage.

“I am a Muslim by birth, but the moment I was enthroned, I became a father to all. No Yoruba traditional ruler should present themselves as a religious leader. Our duty is cultural, not clerical,” he stated.

Barrister Oladotun Hassan, in his remarks, presented the theme of the anniversary event: “Yoruba Agenda: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”, adding that the forum will feature lectures by distinguished professors.

Highlighting the need for unity among traditional rulers, Oladotun debunked rumours of a rift between major Yoruba royal stools, particularly the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo.

He reaffirmed that both monarchs are in harmony and remain committed to the progress of Yorubaland.

“We are informing the public that there is no discord between our revered monarchs. We must stop the desecration of our heritage and the abuse of our elders on social media. That is not the Yoruba way,” he said.

He also used the opportunity to endorse the ongoing plans for the Southwest Development Commission, urging Yoruba leaders to leverage the opportunity to bring infrastructure and economic development to the region.

Oladotun revealed that a formal appeal has been made to President Bola Tinubu for the creation of a Federal Ministry of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs, separate from cultural promotion, to give traditional rulers more defined roles in governance, agriculture, and security.

“We are also proposing the establishment of a Yoruba Council of Obas Worldwide to coordinate the roles of monarchs and foster integration across communities. Security, food sustainability, and agricultural revitalization will be central discussions at the event,” he added.

According to him, southwest governors must begin converting fallow lands into agriculturally productive zones and commit to food security projects tailored to their respective states.

The May 1st event, also tagged “Yoruba National Day,” will serve as a rallying point for Yoruba unity and strategic discussions on the future of the race in Nigeria’s evolving political and economic landscape.

The council also extended an invitation to President Bola Tinubu to attend as the Special Guest of Honour.