The Lagos State Government has declared its intention to designate the final week of September each year as “Yoruba Week” to honor and celebrate the vibrant Yoruba culture.
According to a press release issued on Monday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Eromosele Ebhomele, this initiative aims to safeguard and elevate the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
The decision was communicated to the Lagos State House of Assembly via a letter from the executive branch, subsequent to a resolution passed by the legislators on September 19, 2023. The resolution advocated for the activation of Yoruba cultural heritage and the establishment of a dedicated day to commemorate Yoruba culture.
The letter, dated April 8, 2024, and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, stated, “Sequel to the resolution of the House at its plenary of Tuesday, 19th September, 2023, on the activation of Yoruba cultural heritage and a special day to be assigned as Yoruba day, I have the directive to officially convey Mr. Governor’s approval for the last week of September as Yoruba Week.”
In response to the announcement, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his administration for their decision, hailing it as a positive step forward.
Obasa emphasized the significance of preserving Yoruba culture and heritage, underscoring their importance. He assured the executive of the House’s full support to ensure the success of the upcoming Yoruba Week festivities.
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Additionally, during Monday’s plenary session, the Lagos State House of Assembly held a moment of silence to honor the late former Governor of old Anambra State, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, who was recently laid to rest during the House’s recess.
Speaker Obasa fondly remembered the late statesman, portraying him as a figure of national unity who stood by the Yoruba people and the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) during the tumultuous era of military rule and the struggle for Chief MKO Abiola.
Obasa reminisced about Ezeife’s notable gesture of stepping down for Olu Falae in 1999.
The upcoming Yoruba Week celebration aims to spotlight various facets of Yoruba culture, encompassing traditional attire, music, dance, cuisine, and other cultural manifestations, all aimed at fostering and safeguarding the rich heritage of the Yoruba community.
