Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Tuesday said there was an urgent need to collectively promote the tradition, culture, heritage and history of the Yoruba race.
Ambode, who was represented by the State’s Commissioner of Housing, Mr Gbolahan Lawal said this at the launching of a book entitled ‘Oti See Se’ ( ‘It Is Done’).
The book, put together by a team of five youths, is a selection of accolades in celebration of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
According to the governor, history is essential for the sustenance of the identity, integrity and development of any given society.
”Any society that doesn’t pay proper attention to its history not only has dangerously shallow roots, but also risks starving its own generations to come.
”We appreciate the Ooni for his passion for the history and development of the Yoruba race, ” Ambode said.
He, however, said that collective efforts by all was necessary to prevent the tradition, culture and history of the Yoruba from going into extinction.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi pledged that he would continue to lead by example, saying that a good name is better than gold.
”Since I ascended the Ooni throne, the Almighty has been my guide in ensuring that I lead the Yoruba race well by promoting our culture, tradition and history.
”We must preserve our roots and history for the generations yet unborn to keep our integrity and identity as a people,” he said.
The book reviewer, Mr Gbenga Omiwole, said the cradle of civilisation, in world history, started with the Yoruba race.
Omiwole said the coronation of an Ooni had always been a historic event as he was the spiritual leader of the Yoruba.
According to him, the Ooni stool is the most revered in Africa, as it reflects so much history and has been contributing to the progress of the country.
”This is why Oba Ogunwusi, since his coronation in December 2015, has been using his position to foster unity, peace and progress in the continent.
”His humility and wisdom in the service of God and the people confirms that he is the ‘Chosen King’ occupying the house of Oduduwa, ” he said.
The Coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress, Chief Gani Adams, pledged that the group was ready to support the vision of the Ooni in promoting and sustaining the cultural values of the Yoruba.
In his address, Mr Babajide Macaulay, one of the authors of the book, said it was written to keep records of the commitment of Oba Ogunwusi to promoting peace and harmony of the Yoruba within Nigeria and in the Diaspora.
”He is worthy to be celebrated as he has made direct impact on the lives and livelihood of the youth through his empowerment programmes.
”This book is a research and documentation about Oba Ogunwusi to preserve the past for posterity,” he said.(NAN)