Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has advised Governors in the South-West Governors to embrace the Yoruba anthem in their activities, disclosing that only Osun and Ondo have adopted the rendition of the anthem in their state functions.
Noting that there is evil in Yorubaland because the people have abandoned their cultural heritage, he called on Yoruba sons and daughters to go back to their roots in tackling the evils bedeviling the Yoruba race.
Naija News reports that the Yoruba war general spoke at the second edition of Odo Erelu festival held at Meiran community in Lagos, where he pointed out that “there is joy, peace, and tranquility in celebrating our cultural heritage”.
Adams reiterated that the insecurity and economic downturn in the region can be resolved through the embrace of the Yoruba cultural heritage.
According to him, “Many of the evils that befall us in Yorubaland today came as a result of our ignorance and failures to celebrate our ancestors.
“Never in the history of Yoruba race have we suffered untold hardship like famine, economic downturn, insecurity and regression as it is today. All these problems happened to us because we didn’t do the needful.
“It became our lot because abandoned our culture, tradition, and heritage. Even our language which remains a potent tool to project our culture suffers the most.
“In history, the Yoruba are the most unassuming race. We are a very successful race. We have records of our best and most outstanding products in science, arts, politics, economy, and literature across the world.
“Many of our best brains are doing wonders in the world. And we can feel their impacts in the global communities. The point still remains that we should go back to our roots.”
The Aare observed that the Yoruba anthem, which was written by the late Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, in 1978 and sang by Chief Herbert Ogunde, remains evergreen till date.
He, therefore, challenged the South-West Governors in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Ekiti to take a cue from Osun and Ondo by embracing the items, saying the spirit behind it is beyond what can be comprehended.
Adams added that the Yoruba culture is totally different from religion, and tasked all sons and daughters of the community to work towards sustaining the festival.
This article was originally published on Naija News