The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has made a passionate call for the strengthening of Yoruba language teaching in state universities across Southwest Nigeria, alongside the reintroduction of History as a core subject in Nigerian school curricula.
Speaking at the 2026 Kakanfo Festival in Ifo, Ogun State, he stressed that offering Yoruba language courses in universities will significantly help in preserving and promoting the language and cultural heritage.
Beyond preservation, Iba Adams said the initiative will foster national unity, cultural identity, and cohesion among Nigerians.
He also noted that reintroducing history as a subject will enrich educational curricula by incorporating indigenous perspectives, oral traditions, and historical narratives.
He maintained that this will deepen students’ understanding of Nigeria’s diverse past and enhance cultural awareness and research into indigenous knowledge systems.
The Aare Ona Kakanfo emphasised that teaching Yoruba language and History is vital for developing sound educational foundations that reflect the richness of Nigeria’s heritage and contribute to the intellectual growth of the people.
Highlighting the historical significance of the Aare Ona Kakanfo title, established in 1530 by Alaafin Ajagbo of the Old Oyo Empire, Iba Adams recounted the legacies of past Kakanfos who defended the Yoruba nation through wars and strategic leadership, emphasising that the office is not merely ceremonial but a custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition.
He also highlighted the practical strides made under his leadership to promote Yoruba culture and security.
“Through the Olokun Festival Foundation, more than 24 festivals are supported across Yoruba communities, while the Oodua Progressive Union (OPU) operates in over 104 countries to sustain Yoruba culture and unity in the diaspora.
“The Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) has been instrumental in enhancing security within Yorubaland, collaborating with governments and stakeholders to protect lives and property. The OPC also organises capacity-building programmes and humanitarian services, supporting the less privileged, physically challenged, and elderly,” he said.
Also at the event, Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Abolaji Fagbayi, who was represented by the Deputy Director of Tourism, Mr. Abdulsalam Olaniyi Abdulrasaq, noted that cultural preservation remains a pathway to national unity.
Praising the festival as a celebration of ancestral strength and identity, Fagbayi reiterated the Ogun State Government’s commitment to supporting cultural festivals, recognising culture as a dynamic force shaping identity, behavior, and economic development.
In his goodwill message, Fagbayi highlighted the role of the Aare Ona Kakanfo as the shield of the Yoruba nation, embodying bravery and strategic foresight, virtues he noted remain relevant today.
The Commissioner commended the Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF) for its dedication to promoting Yoruba culture through over 24 festivals nationwide, noting the Kakanfo Festival as a flagship event deserving wider recognition.
He urged youths to embrace their heritage, learn their history, and carry forward Yoruba traditions with pride and confidence.
On his part, the Alagbegise of Agbegise Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Adesina Ikudaisi Joseph, notes that the 2026 Kakanfo Festival served as a beacon of cultural pride and a clarion call for the preservation and promotion of Yoruba heritage through education and community engagement.
Oba Joseph stressed that the advocacy for reintroducing Yoruba language and history in schools is crucial towards sustaining cultural identity, fostering national unity, and enriching Nigeria’s educational landscape.
He praised Iba Adams for relentlessly spearheading a cultural renaissance for Yorubaland and pledged to continue collaborating with him in advancing Yoruba culture.
The festival had in attendance distinguished royal fathers, cultural custodians, members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and lovers of Yoruba culture and tradition drawn from far and near.
