Yoruba National Week Recognition: ‘Eko for Show, Lagos for Action’, Yoruba Youths Hail Sanwo-Olu, Obasa

Historically, Yoruba National Day, September 23, was the day that the Kiriji war (Ogun Kiriji) came to an end in Yorubaland. The Kiriji War, also known as the Ekiti-Parapo War, was a 16-year-long civil war between the subethnic kingdoms of the Yoruba people, specifically divided between the Western Yoruba, which was mainly the Ibadan and Oyo-speaking Yorubas, and the Eastern Yoruba, who were the Ekiti people, Ijesha people, Ijebu people, and others. 

Kiriji War (Ogun Kiriji) 
Date: July 30, 1877–March 14, 1893
(15 years and 227 days).

The day was suggested for due recognition and annual Celebration to a well attended Yoruba Congress under the leadership of Asiwaju of Yorubas, late Senator Abraham Aderibigbe Adesanya, which was held inside Cultural Centre, Mokola Hill, Ibadan, in the year 2000, by Isagamu, Ogun State, based Chief Pop – Olorogun Adebanjo of Comrade Baba Omojola led Apapo Omo Odu’a, and was unanimously adopted but the Southwest Governors that were not only the potential Sponsors of the annual Celebration but also Yoruba Political Leaders expected to champion it did not do anything further from 2001 to 2010, prompting key Yoruba Leaders, Ambassador Olu Otunla and Comrade Baba Omojola, to approach me as Aare Apapo, President – General, Agbarijo Egbe Odo Yoruba, Grand Council of Yoruba Youths, in the year 2011, with their agony, shortly after we were through with Celebration of Alagba Adebayo Faleti @ 80 in conjunction with some Southwest States’ Governors, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola of Lagos, Oyo and Osun States respectively, Mr President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was represented by Prof Adebayo Williams, corporate Bodies and Organisations including Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) led by Mr Yanju Adegbite, Prof Isaac Adewole led University of Ibadan, late Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oyewunmi Ajagungbade III, Prince Ajibola Afonja, Chairman, 1st Bank Plc and others, and asked my Group to henceforth take up Celebration of Yoruba National day as annual event against all odds.

“Against all odds?” Yes, that was the reason why they singled me out for this assignment because they knew it would still be a herculean task for us as youths, but our youthful strength coupled with our relationship with Southwest Governors would be a shock absorber, according to them.

Using the experience of a week long Yoruba Youth Leadership Summit with which we inaugurated Agbarijo Egbe Odo Yoruba, Grand Council of Yoruba Youths, in the presence of Yoruba Sons and Daughters from both Afenifere and Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), inside Cultural Centre, Mokola Hill, Ibadan, and Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, between 13 to 17, October, 2001, which had since become our “modus operandi” for annual Celebration of Yoruba Youth Leadership Summit, in 2012, we successfully staged a week long Celebration of Yoruba National day between House of Chiefs, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan, which was donated by Honourable Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt (Hon) Monsurat Sunmonu, and Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, donated by Osun State Government and Ambassador Olu Otunla, featuring Honourable Biyi Odunlade, Special Adviser on Youth and Sports, representing Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; 2 Traditional Rulers, Oba Adebolu A. Fatunmise, Adagba of Iyanfoworogi, and one other from Ile – Ife as Representatives Oba Okubade Sijuade Olubuse II, Ooni of Ife; Alhaji Azeez Arisekola Alao, Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, was represented by Akogun Lekan Alabi, now Maye Olubadan of Ibadanland; Ambassador Olu Otunla represented Mr President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Comrade Baba Omojola, Chairman, June 12 Coalition/Beko Ransome Kuti Memorial Committee; Alhaji Abdullahi Akinbode, National Missioner of NASFAT, Representative of Prof (Mrs) Bolanle Awe; Representative of 1st female Prof in Nigeria, Prof Felicia Adetoun Ogunsheye; Princess Bisi Sangodoyin; Mr Tokunbo Ajasin; Dr Ajayeoba; Comrade Laoye Sanda, among others.

In 2013 and 2014, it was equally a huge success but we changed from a week Celebration to a day Celebration in 2014 based on advice of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Governor of Osun State, who was the only Southwest Governor that sponsored it that year and it was staged at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, while Senator Ayo Fasanmi provided accomodation for the Organising Committee.

The 2015 Yoruba National day, was sponsored by former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State with which we celebrated Senator Ayo Fasanmi @ 90 while 2016 was used to herald Lagos @ 50 Celebration. 2017 invited Osun and Ekiti States’ Governors for Account of stewardship inside Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos State, and it also celebrated Mrs Ayo Ladigbolu’s Birthday in presence of her Husband, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu and the event was chaired by Otunba Jumoke Ogunkeyede (JMK) while the 2018 edition celebrated Ayo Fasanmi @ 93, at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, Osun State. 

2019 was sponsored by late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi and was held inside Western Hall, House of Assembly, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan. Mr President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was represented by Otunba Jumoke Ogunkeyede (JMK); 2020 and 2021 continue to remain evergreen in our memory with huge successes and still held in Lagos State but the latter celebrated Bola Tinubu @ 69 inside Banquet Hall of Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, featuring Comrade Segun Mayegun, former NANS President, Comrade Lanleyin Olasunkanmi, prominent figure in the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), from Southwest Zone,  Comrade Salam Oyejide Surajudeen, former Senate President of NANS, among other prominent Yoruba Youth Leaders

2022 was held in Ibadan and chaired by His Excellency, Chief Iyiola Oladokun, former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, which unanimously endorsed Mr President as only Presidential Candidate from Yorubaland and where Ambassador Sola iji represented Mr President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Father and Mother of the day were Chief (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi, former first Lady, Oyo State and Prof Soji Adejumo, respectively. Prof Sabitu Olagoke, JP, was represented.

Last year celebration was held inside Western Hall of Oyo State House of Assembly, where Mr President appreciated key individuals across the Country that contributed to the 2023 electoral success with our beautifully carved Ori Olokun Odu’a Awards through his Representative, Chief Lere Paimo, MFR, alias Eda Onile – Ola.

This year 2024 promises to celebrate this core Progressive, Elderstateman and Veteran Actor, Chief Lere Paimo, MFR, alias Eda Onile – Ola @ 85 inside International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State. The lecture, “National Unity and Agitation for Self – Determination: The way forward for Nigeria?” Will be delivered by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, under the Chairmanship of Architect Bamidele O. Samson, Chairman, BOVAS Group of Company, and Otunba Jumoke Ogunkeyede (JMK) is the Vice Chairman. Special Guests of Honour are President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, while Guests of Honour are Southwest Governors. 

Special Guests are Honourable Speakers of the Southwest States’ Houses of Assembly Fathers of the day are Leaders of Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, General Alani Akinrinade (Rtd), Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Dr Kunle Olajide and Hon Wale Osun while mother of the day is Prof (Mrs) Bolanle Awe. Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife, Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona (Ogbagba II) Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Olubadan of Ibadanland; Oba Ghadi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, Soun of Ogbomosoland; Oba Rilwan Akiolu I, Oba of Lagos; and Oba Francis Olushola Alao, Olugbon of Orile  – Igbon are Royal Fathers of the day while Spiritual Fathers of the day are Araba Ifayemi Elebuibon, Prof Sabitu Olagoke, JP, and Dr M.O Mustapha, JP, (Babasebioba). As usual, our beautifully carved Ori Olokun Odu’a Awards would be bestowed on prominent individuals same day including Prof Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Ibadan; Alhaji Muideen Bello, a Renowned Islamic Cleric; Oba Adebayo Akande, Chairman, Splash FM/Lagelu FM; Architect Bamidele O. Samson, Chairman, BOVAS Group of Companies; Dr M.O Mustapha, JP, (Babasebioba) among others

As Organiser, we had concluded the formal consultation early last week before the news of the approval of plan of the Lagos House of Assembly to celebrate Yoruba week by Lagos State broke out last Monday, 29 April, 2024, based on the last year’s recommendation to the Governor by the State Assembly through the Speaker. It’s now time, we worked together again for the Progress of Yorubaland towards ensuring success of not only a day but a week Celebration of Yorubas home and abroad.

Ayo Olopon (Traditional Draft), Ijala (Hunter Song), Ekun – Iyawo (Bridal cry), Ariyanjiyan (Quiz Competition), and Cultural display, are key ingredients of our week long Celebration while Traditional delicacies are always showcased and we are now making case for their inclusion as well as making sure that Eda Onile – Ola @ 85 is collectively celebrated as discussed.

We therefore congratulate Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos House Assembly’s 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 

It must be added that Lagos State Assembly does conduct the House proceedings on Thursdays in Yoruba Language and had equally mandated teaching of Yoruba Language in all Public Schools in Lagos State more than 5 years ago. As a Consultant, Prof Akinwunmi Isola, took me along during the inauguration. 

“Eko for Show, Lagos for Action”. Happy International Working Class Day Holiday.
Odu’a a gbewa o!

Comrade Awa Bamiji
Aare – Apapo (President – General)
Agbarijo Egbe Odo Yoruba (Grand Council of Yoruba Youths)

Press Release, Wednesday, 1st May, 2024

Mr Bamiji, you are an epitome of oduduwa.
The whole Yoruba Residents in Northern Nigeria under the Umbrella of Omo – Oodua Yoruba Community Northern States and Abuja, which is the apex Yoruba Socio – Cultural Organization in Northern Nigeria celebrate you, the entire Yorubas worldwide, Lagos State Government, Lagos State House of Assembly for this wonderful work, we are with you and Oduduwa is with you. -Hon, ABDULAZEEZ OYENIYI SALAUDEEN, Secretary General of Omo – Oodua Yoruba Community Northern States and Abuja.

All of us can not be moses of our time. Thank God for choosing you to carry this responsibility at this crucial time. Oodua a gbe wa o! Aase Edumare!. -Abiodun Ayodeji Olaniyi, Akure, Ondo State.

This is a great leap for cultural consciousness against regional landgrabbers who arrogantly but  foolishly believe that Lagos is no man’s land – Barrister Lekan Alabi, CDHR, Lagos State

More strength Sir – Alfa Ismail Ayodele Hassan, Protocol Officer to Prof Sabitu Olagoke, JP, Leader, Shafaudeen Islamic Center Worldwide, Shafaudeen Headquarters, Wakajaiye, Iyana – Church, Iwo Road, Ibadan Oyo State.

God bless Awa! – Yinka Agboola, Publisher, Parrot Extra Magazine, Ibadan, Oyo State

My God blessed and loved Awa.
Please call me urgently on Yoruba National day 2024 invitation. Remember that I am one of the 2023 Awardees, who attended with in Group.
You have labored so hard not to be adequately  compensated in Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole. We are proud of you for making us proud always in Yorubaland. Pls call me soonest. Representatives of 10, 000 Bales and Baales in Ibadanland that worked tirelessly for 2023 electoral success would still attend. Yet to see our 2024 invitation in my Palace.
-Elder Dr Taiye Ayorinde Baale Ekotedo 

Great article – Kazeem Bakenne, National moment online, Lagos State.

Exemplary! Great! Dr Folorunsho Kabir Dawodu, key figure among People with disabilities in Nigeria, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Respect! Omo Oba Lawal – Onikeke, Karoojire Youth Initiative, Ibadan Oyo State, Organiser of February 12 Public lecture inside House of Chiefs, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan, Oyo State,
marking International Mother Tougue Day in conjunction with Yoruba Academy

One wonders why the yorubas of kogi and kwara states have not been involved in the activities. That they belong to north central states does NOT make them less yoruba than the other states of the west . It is hoped that subsequent activities of yoruba national day will take cognizance of this very serious omission

We have frontline Yoruba self determination Activists in Kogi and Kwara States that have been attending Afenifere meetings and other Yoruba outings for Decades that I know so well, like Oloogbe Ajijagbara Rotimi Obadofin, Arakunrin Olola Kazeem, Ogbeni Abereoran from Kogi State, Ajijagbara Segun Mayegun and Imam Abdulrahaman Aduranigba, Chief Imam of Yorubas in Ilorin, Kwara State, and they are taking the messages down to their individual Chapters’ meetings

You may need to either locate any of them who is still alive in your State or you stay tuned here for subsequent outings to meet them for your induction Sir, Mr Sulaimon Alabi