The Grand Council Of Yoruba Youths has announced that the forthcoming Yoruba National Day will hold simultaneously in Ibadan, Oyo state capital and United Kingdom, on Saturday, September 23, 2023.
In a statement signed by its national coordinator, Comrade Awa Bamiji, the event will attract creme de la creme from all walks of life both in Nigeria and outside the country.
According to Mr Bamiji, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, will be the Special Guest of Honour, while the Six Executive Governors of Yoruba extraction are Guests of Honour at the festival scheduled to hold inside the Western House of Chiefs, Oyo state Secretariat, Ibadan.
Others dignatries expected during the event include, Araba Ifayemi Elebuibon, Araba of Osogbo; Prof (Mrs) Bolanle Awe; Chief Lere Paimo (a.k.a Eda Onile Ola), Prof Sabitu Olagoke, JP, the Spiritual Leader of Shafaudeen Islamic Center, Worldwide; Dr Olu Agunloye, former Minister of Aviation and Comrade Moshood Erubami, Convener, Voters’ Assembly.
Chief Adebisi Akande, former Interim National Chairman of All Progressives’ Congress (APC) and General Buba Marwa (Rtd), the chairman of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency will jointly chair the occasion.
Dr Kunle Olajide, former Secretary, Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) and Chief (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi, former first Lady of Oyo State, are father and mother of the day respectively.
The annual lecture, “Tinubu, Oke Agba l’ogun yi o, ni Oruko Yoruba, ko mo gbodo baje o”, “Tinubu, you are No 1 in Nigeria Today, through Yoruba Presidency, try and serve well”, which would be in form of admonition, would by delivered by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife; Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, Chairman, Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) and notable Leader of Afenifere, and Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Chairman, Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF).
The Royal fathers of the day are Imperial Majesties, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II and Oba (Senator) Dr Mahud Olalekan Balogun Ali Okunmade II, Ooni of Ife and Olubadan of Ibadanland respectively.
“The laudable contributions of various individuals and Organisations, from different regions in Nigeria, most especially, members of Nigerian Traditional Council, to the electoral victory of Mr President would be publicly acknowledged same day through annual presentation of Beautiful Odu’a Award Plaques.” Mr Bamiji disclosed.
The highlight of the event include a special prayers for Yoruba Nation, Nigeria, and Africa Continent and celebration of Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Leader of Afenifere @ 97.
Also, the national co-ordinator of the GCYY stated Yoruba will on the same day gathered in far away in United Kingdom to marking the 16th anniversary of Kiriji war.
The event which will hold at Concord House, 23 – 27, Kemp Road, Dagenham RMS 1st in London, between 2pm to 8pm will feature beautiful display of Yoruba Heritage, Culture, Art, music, fashion, pageantries, and food among others.
It would address importance of indigenous language in technological advancement.
High Chief Chief Lekan Alabi, Maye Olubadan of Ibadanland is expected to be the Special Guest of Honour at the UK event while Barrister Dele Ogun, Bamidele Malik Adeolu and Dr Gbenga Fagborun are the Keynote Speakers.
