Ooni Visits LSHA, Calls For Promotion Of Yoruba Language, Cultural Heritage

By Akinwale Kasali

For the sustenance of indigenous language and promotion of cultural heritages, revered Monarch, Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty (HIM) Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogúnwusi, Ojaja II, has advocated for Yoruba language to be spoken in Lagos households.

He said this was necessary so that our children won’t forget their roots and for Yoruba language not to go into extinction.

Clad in his traditional royal apparel, Oba Ogunwusi, arrived the Lagos State House of Assembly complex to pay a courtesy visit to the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.

The Monarch is said to have been a long time friend to the Speaker.

It would be recalled that In 2016, he commended the House of Assembly for its laudable steps towards promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Yorubas.

Also In 2017, when he led some chiefs on a visit to the House, Oba Ogunwusi urged other State Houses of Assembly in the Southwest to emulate the Lagos State House of Assembly in the promotion of Yoruba Language.

Speaking during the visit, he said, “I am very happy to be here and see the Lagos State House of Assembly, using Yoruba language to conduct its activities. I, therefore, enjoin all other Houses of Assembly in Yoruba Land to take a cue from this House.

“People in other countries honour and cherish Yoruba language, but sadly here at home, we seem not to cherish what is ours.

“I, therefore, urge the Lagos State House of Assembly to do all within its power to persuade other State Assemblies in Yoruba speaking areas, to see the sense in conducting their House businesses in Yoruba, as this is one of the surest way to promote our language and cultural heritage,” the revered traditional ruler said during that visit.

Meanwhile, the House, on Monday, passed a bill to establish a training institute for law enforcement officers in the State.

The ‘Bill for the Establishment of Lagos State Training Institute, to provide for the training of law enforcement officers,’ was read for the third time and subsequently passed at a sitting presided over by Speaker Obasa.

Obasa, thereafter, directed the Clerk of the House, Mr. Olalekan Onafeko, to send a clean copy of the Bill to the State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for assent.