Shonekan’s wife, three others to receive honour at Oranyan festival

Yoruba leaders have been enjoined to imbibe the virtues of dignity, decorum, sheer courage, administrative efficiency and excellence in governance that were embodied in the
dynasty of Oranyan and which made him a Yoruba hero.
Retired Archbishop and Coordinator of Oranyan Festival Committee, Right Reverend Ayo Ladidgolu, gave the advice on Monday in Oyo town at a press conference on the sixth annual cultural festival.
Ladigbolu also wants Yoruba sons and daughters to see Oranyan Festival as a labour of love to their generation and to posterity.
“It is our clarion call to all, especially the sons and daughters of Yoruba to imbibe the attributes of Oranyan as listed above and which qualify anybody to be described as ‘omoluabi’. Whoever embraces the values and exhibit them is qualified to be a true descendant of Oranyan”, the Oyo Prince added.
He explained that Oranyan festival, among others, was instituted to recognize the heroism of Oranyan, who was responsible for the establishment of one of the most enduring political structure for civil, political and military administration in Africa.
“It is also to call attention to Yoruba contribution to civilisation as Empire builders long before the dawn of political sophistication in other parts of the world. Establish the relevance of Yoruba culture in promoting global peace, international understanding and harmony, provide opportunity for all Yoruba on the continent and in the
diaspora to develop the authentic Yoruba kindred spirit, and identify with the wishes, aspirations and dreams of the Yoruba nation.
Highlights of the week-long event include book launch, free medical services to the people and medals of honours’ awards to four eminent personalities.
They are wife of former Head of Interim National Government, Mrs Margaret Shonekan and Dr. M. Ogunmola.
While the remaining two awards, which are post-humous, will be conferred on the late Chief Oyedele Asamu (Maye of Oyo) and the late Mrs Oyin Ogunmola (Iyalaje of Oyo).