Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as the National Chairman of Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, will attend the launch of the Yoruba World Centre, billed for the University of Ibadan on Tuesday, November 23, 2021.
The launch that has the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, as Chairman, will be performed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo starting from 11.a.m.
Governors of South West states of Nigeria, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, as well as former Chief of Army Staff and a chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, General Alani Akinrinade (rtd), are billed to attend the event alongside other eminent Yoruba sons and daughters.
Confirming his attendance at the event at his palace in Ile-Ife, the Ooni described the Yoruba World Centre project within the University of Ibadan as one of the best things to happen to the Yoruba people all over the world in recent times.
The paramount ruler made the statement when a top level team of the International Centre For Yoruba Arts and Culture (INCEYAC) , masterminds of the centre, led by the initiator and publisher of Alaroye newspapers, Chief Alao Adedayo, paid him a courtesy visit in his palace at Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The Ooni will join Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the launch of the project on Tuesday, November 23, 2021.
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Speaking during the event, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi said: “I am sincerely glad that you respected children of Yoruba land have decided to institute a center for the study of our language and culture. In fact, I will say I am excited. History and posterity will not forget you in a hurry because what you are doing is going to ensure that our culture and tradition are preserved.”
In addition to commending Alagba Alao Adedayo and his team, the Ooni also used the opportunity to pledge that he will be ready to collaborate and, indeed, play whatever role necessary to make the project a success.
“This is the right moment for all Yoruba sons and daughters to proudly come together to ensure that this project is successful,’ said the Ooni. “We need this to enhance our unity as a major Nigerian ethnic group.”
Responding, the team’s leader, Alagba Alao Adedayo, submitted that the aim of putting the project together was to ensure that there was proper documentation and care for old records, traditional tools and historical materials of the Yoruba race.
The INCEYAC team that visited the Ooni included renowned cinematographer, Chief Tunde Kelani and Dr Adeola Faleye of the Obafemi Awolowo University.
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