Olowu of Kuta calls for Nigeria’s Cultural Revival, Unity among Yorubas

Worried by the increasing drop in cultural values among Nigerians, a frontline traditional ruler in Osun State, Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Hammed Adekunle Oyelude, Tegbosun III, charged Nigerians both at home and diaspora to raise the bar of cultural scope of learning beyond Western pattern.

The monarch gave the charge when he received a team of University Dons from the Institute of African Cultural Studies led by Dr. Felix Omidire of Obafemi Awolowo University, at his palace on Wednesday.

Oba Oyelude who could not hide his displeasure at the rate which African cultural values, especially Nigeria, is being lost to the European value system, observed as inappropriate what he termed as Afro-Euro values, which is now operational in the Nigeria’s cultural context.

Suggesting the practice as an abatement to the cultural values of African, Oba Oyelude was emphatic in his call for National redress through the creation of a ‘Memory Lane Template’ that would provide the current generation a clear insight to our cultural values for before everything would be lost.

“Needful it is stated at this juncture that something urgent must be done to tame this ugly tide, if not for any purpose but at least for the sake of Posterities,” the monarch justify his call for revival of Nigeria’s cultural values.

“European Value has far long eaten deep into the fabric of our valuable system, authorities concerned must rise to this occasion so that our children will able to know what was operational in the past and obtainable now in order to navigate through Tomorrow.”

He, therefore, enjoined historians, archaeologists, creative writers and researchers to come out of their comfort zones to seek first hand information through symbols of historical fountains in the country in order to prevent further cultural degradations and excessive abuse of identity as it is currently being witnessed.

Oba Oyelude also observed that it is high time for Yoruba leaders to close ranks and speak in a unified tone, adding that it is in unitu of the race, especially traditional rulers who are the fathers and custodian our culture, that their strength lies.

In his own remark, the Director of Institute of Aftican Cultural Studies Dr. Felix Omidire acknowledged the traditional prowess of the monarch, describing him as an uncommon gem in the royal class.

He promised to continue to raise the standard of cultural value at every opened opportunity most importantly in the coming Annual Owu Anlugba Festival, adding that the institute is also opened to any institution that is ready to partner with them as part of effort to keep raising the flag of African cultures higher.

Credit: Sarafa Ibrahim