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The 2024 Yoruba National Day celebration will hold at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State on September 23.

A statement by the President-General, Grand Council of Yoruba Youths, Comrade Awa Bamiji, said this year’s event would be used to celebrate the 85th birthday of a core progressive, elderstateman and veteran actor, Chief Lere Paimo, aka Eda Onile-ola.

A lecture, titled: ‘National Unity and Agitation for Self- Determination: The way forward for Nigeria?’ would be delivered by Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The Chairman of the event is Arc Bamidele Samson, Chairman, BOVAS Group, while Otunba Jumoke Ogunkeyede (JMK) would be the vice chairman.

Special Guests of Honour are President Bola Tinubu (GCFR), and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, while Guests of Honour are South West governors.

Special Guests are Honourable Speakers of the South West Houses of Assembly. The fathers of the day are Afenifere leaders; Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, General Alani Akinrinade (Rtd), Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Dr Kunle Olajide and Hon Wale Osun.

Mother of the day is Prof (Mrs) Bolanle Awe while Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife; Oba Sikiru Adetona, Ogbagba II, Awujale of Ijebu; Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Olubadan-elect; Oba Ghandi Olaoye, Orumogege III, Soun of Ogbomoso; Oba Rilwan Akiolu I, Oba of Lagos; and Oba Francis Olushola Alao, Olugbon of Orile Igbon are royal fathers of the day.

Spiritual fathers of the day include Araba Ifayemi Elebuibon, Prof Sabitu Olagoke (JP) and Dr M.O Mustapha, JP, (Babasebioba).

According to Comrade Awa, the beautifully carved Ori Olokun Odu’a Award would be bestowed on prominent individuals, including Prof Kayode Adebowale, Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan; Alhaji Muideen Bello, a renowned Islamic cleric; Oba Adebayo Akande, Chairman, Splash FM and Lagelu FM; Arc Bamidele Samson, Chairman, BOVAS Group; Dr M.O Mustapha, JP, (Babasebioba) among others.

“We had concluded formal consultations before the news of approval of the Lagos State House of Assembly to celebrate Yoruba week in the state. It is now time we work together towards the progress of Yoruba land and ensure success of not only a day, but a week celebration of Yorubas home and abroad.

“Ayo Olopon (traditional draft), Ijala (hunter’s song), Ekun Iyawo (bridal cry), Ariyanjiyan (quiz competition) and cultural display, are key ingredients of our week-long celebration. Traditional delicacies are always showcased and we are now making case for their inclusion as well as making sure that Eda Onileola @85 is collectively celebrated as discussed.

“It’s a big relief that at least Lagos State out of the Six Yoruba Speaking Southwest States has now formally recognised the year 2000 adoption of Yoruba National day by Yoruba Congress held at Cultural Centre, Ibadan, Oyo State, under the Leadership of Senator Abraham Aderibigbe Adesanya as proposed by Chief Pop – Olorogun Adebanjo of Comrade Baba Omojola led Apapo Omo Odu’a.

“Failure of the Southwest Governors to officially recognize the day after its adoption prompted Ambassador Olu Otunla and Comrade Baba Omojola to approach me as Yoruba Youth Leader in 2011 to champion the annual Celebration, keep the flag flying in the name of Yoruba Congress and this what my Group, Agbarijo Egbe Odo Yoruba, Grand Council of Yoruba Youths, has been doing since then till date.

“We, therefore, congratulate Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; House Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; Afenifere, Ambassador Olu Otunla, Apapo Omo Odu’a, Agbarijo Egbe Odo Yoruba, Yoruba sons and daughters home and abroad, for not allowing the labour of our heroes past to be in vain as far as Yoruba National Day celebration is concerned,” the statement added.