Olubadan speaks on culture, tradition

25.03.2008

OLUBADAN of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana, Odugade the first, has said a vigorous promotion of Yoruba Language and culture won a prerequisite for handling over a lasting heritage for the coming generations.

The Olubadan was speaking while receiving a twenty-man contingent of the Yoruba Students Association, Kogi State University, Anyigba which was on historical visit to the palace.

Oba Odulana described Ibadan as a mega city and the core of Yorubaland, adding that the city had, for centuries been the main defender of the sovereignty, culture, tradition and language of the Yoruba race.

Earlier, the leader of the students’ group, Mr. Ibimode Oluwafemi said that his team had travelled down from Kogi state to extract cultural and historical information for an on-going research.

He described the Olubadan as a rare royal gem and expressed appreciation for Oba Odulana’s contribution to the progress of the Yoruba race.

In another development, the Olubadan played host to officers and members of the History and International Relations Students Association of the Lagos State University, who called on him at the palace.

He delved into the history of Ibadan chieftaincy system which he described as enviable. Oba Odulana explained that the institution of the Olubadan was never vacant and did not entail any quarrel or petty squabbles as far as ascendancy was concerned.

The President of the Lagos State University History and International Relations Students Association, Mr. El-Amin Aratumi, had earlier praised Oba Odulana for maintaining the dignity of the traditional institution since his ascension on the throne.