On November 27, 28 and 29 over 200 Yoruba kings will be hosted in Oyo state.
The event is the annual convention for traditional rulers put together by Heritage Forum.
Chief initiator Muyiwa Oladipo – the former commissioner in Ogun state and brain behind the famous African Drum Festival – reveals the main agenda and powers behind the development in this short interview.
Que, Over 200 traditional to be hosted for 3days..what is the main objective of this initiative
Ans, The main objective is to bring unity among all Yoruba Obas that they speak with one voice – no time more expedient than now when the country Nigeria is very insecure.
Remember that Southwest govs are about launching AMOTEKUN – the security outfit for the entire Southwest and having all Obas speak with one voice on security is better imagined
Also, in this era of technology, we want to digitize the traditional institution. All Obas will be enjoined to tell d history of their domains, the culture and traditions, tourism potentials and many more. This, in turn, will be put into an app that will soon be launched so that an Awori, Ekiti or Ijebu indigene resident in Australia can know the history of his town at the touch of a button and many more.
Que, May we know some of those expected
Ans, Alaafin is the Chief host, Oonirisa, Olugbon ti Orile Igbon, Oba Noforija – Epe, Owa Obokun Ijesha Osemawe ti Ondo, Aare Ona- Kakanfo amongst others.
Que, What roles are the Ooni, Alaafin, and Awujale playing in this initiative
Ans, They are all major pivots in Yorubaland and their presence being together will surely do well for the Yoruba race.
Que, As an annual event, what separates this year’s edition from others
Ans, Moving it round Yorubaland is to give us all a sense of belonging, this year’s event will be an improvement on the maiden edition in terms of attendance, speakers, etc.
Que, What is the projection for the next 5 to 10years
Ans, We expect that the forum will be a world brand and reference point in culture n tradition of Yoruba race.
Que, In what ways are the government of the southwest states involved in achieving the objectives of this initiative.
Ans, The Southwest states are gradually coming on board as they r keying into the project.
Que, Who are the real powers behind this concept
Ans, God Almighty who gave the idea that is being nurtured by us- Muyiwa Oladipo and partner Rufai Adeleke – and supported by the likes of Oonirisa and Alaafin Oyo
Que, As the originator what sparked your interest in doing this
Ans, The coming of the Drum Festival, realizing that drum is part of our culture and because our Obas are the custodians of our culture and tradition the need for their coming together for some of the reasons stated above became more expedient.
