Lagos to celebrate Yoruba week annually

The Lagos State Government has announced intentions to designate the last week of September each year as “Yoruba Week” to honour Yoruba culture.

According to a press statement issued on Monday by Eromosele Ebhomele, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, the measure is intended to protect and promote Yoruba traditional legacy.

The decision was communicated to the Lagos State House of Assembly via a letter from the executive branch, following a resolution voted by legislators on September 19, 2023, calling for the activation of Yoruba cultural legacy and the designation of a specific day as Yoruba Day.

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, September 19, 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 news, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his cabinet for the move, characterising it as “good development.”

Obasa stated that Yoruba culture and tradition are very important and must be preserved, and that the House is prepared to support the government in ensuring the success of the planned Yoruba Week.

Meanwhile, during Monday’s plenary session, the Lagos State House of Assembly held a minute of silence in memory of the late former governor of old Anambra State, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, who was buried while the House was in recess.

The Speaker paid tribute to the late politician, describing him as a “pan-Nigerian who supported the Yorubas and the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), especially during the dark days of military reign and following the struggle for Chief MKO Abiola.”

“We remember how he proudly stepped down for Olu Falae back then, in 1999,” Obasa said.

The Yoruba Week event is expected to highlight various parts of Yoruba culture, such as traditional costume, music, dancing, cuisine, and other forms of cultural expression, in order to promote and preserve the Yoruba people’s rich legacy.

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