Ooni of Ife urges preservation of Yoruba culture

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has stressed the need to promote and preserve the Yoruba culture for the benefit of upcoming generations.

He stated this at the Third Festival Colloquium tagged “Tourism Potential in Yorubaland: Landmarks, Culture and History” held at the Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos at the weekend.

Ogunwusi said the greatest thing binding the people is culture. He urged the Yoruba to preserve their culture so that it can be transferred to the next generation.

Speaking during the launching of a multi-million naira 26-episode television series on the history and heritage of Lagos titled: “Eko: Iwure Olofin” to commemorate Lagos at 50 years celebration, the monarch said Nigerians all live together in Lagos because Yoruba forefathers wanted them to cohabit in peace and harmony.

Ogunwusi, who described Lagos as the greatest city in the world, said it is the most accommodating in Nigeria.

The monarch noted that the role of culture, tourism and heritage are interwoven and should not be thrown away.

“The result is clear. It can be seen in other countries that embrace their culture,” he said.

Speaking on some cultural practices, the Ooni clarified the belief that wearing white traditional attire is fetish, stating that it is done to promote Yoruba culture and show reverence to God.

In an interview, the producer of the film, Fola Onifade said the main reason they embarked on the project was to document Yoruba culture and heritage and to tell the story of Lagos in a dramatic form.

According to him, “the film is a trilogy. The first part is to document the history of Lagos through the life and times of Olofin and laying the foundation of Lagos by King Ado. The second part is through the kings that reigned in Lagos. We are talking about from King Jafaro to King Dosunmu up till 1861 when the British took over Lagos. The third part is the period of the governors, from William McCoskry up to Governor Akinwumi Ambode.”

He said the second part of the series and a feature film would be produced soon.

[todayng]