Oyo State Director, National Orientation Agency, Aderogba Akanbi has bemoaned the gradual intrusion of foreign culture into Yoruba’s much cherished and respected identity which has placed the region on a high pedestal the world over.
Speaking on the heels of a certain nude video of a woman in her prime age entertaining guests (now viral) during the recent Ojude Oba annual festival in ijebu Ode, Ogun state ,the Director in a release he personally signed and made available to the media in Ibadan on Wednesday, expressly counselled against such acculturation as he warned that yorubas should not mortgage their values and norms on the altar of modernisation.
“Ojude Oba tells our stories of social cohesion and cultural identity as it accentuates our mode of dressing, horse – display and cultural ensemble which is central to the festival as well cultured people of proud origin that preserve traditional institutions. Therefore, anything that will taint that identity should be regarded as a “dark spot ” on a colourful attire and be condemned forthwith.
Ojude Oba transcends an annual routine. It showcases our heritage, values, and norms to the world, and the legacy should remain unblemished.
Nudity or obscene dressing during festivals are alien to Yoruba culture of the South West Nigeria and should not be imported into our land. We should appreciate our cultural relativism.” He advised.
