Vicar and Archdeacon of Diocese of Ijebu-North Church of Nigeria, Anglican Church, Venerable (Dr) Lawrence Otegbola and National President of Royal Union of Owu People (RUOP), Engr.Fatai Akinbade have expressed concern over gradual extinction of Yoruba Language , calling on sons and daughters to save culture and traditions of the race from dieing
They both expressed the concern in their separate comments on Saturday during the celebration of 32nd edition of Owu National Convention held in Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State
Archdeacon Otegbola in his sermon during the thanks giving service held at the Anglican Church, Oke-Sopen area of Ijebu-Igbo, as part of activities marking the annual convention of Owu-people said present generation of Yoruba not longer understand and speak the language, stressing the need for parents to begin to encourage the speaking of the language in their various homes for the children to appreciate the beauty of rich tradition and cultural values of Yoruba
The cleric added that speaking and understanding the language would preserve the language and save it from going into extinction, saying such cultural celebration like Owu National Convention should always be used to project the rich moral values of Yorubas
Similarly Akinbade in his speech at the grand-finale of the convention, described the situation as unfortunate saying the language is replaced with foreign languages
"It's equally a sad commentary that while our language is being replaced with foreign languages, especially the English language, our culture and traditions have been submerged by civilization. Most parents today do not know their family Oriki(panegyrics), let alone their children who have completely gone foreign. This must definitely change through a systemic rebirth if we don't want to lose it all in the nearest future", he stated
The convention attracted several traditional rulers from Owu communities in Abeokuta, Ijebu-Igbo, Ibadan, Orile-Owu, other communities in Oyo, Osun, Lagos and Kwara States, including host, Oba (Engr) Michael Olusegun Adesina of Owu-Ijebu, Ogun State, Oba (Prof) Saka Adelola Matemilola of Owu-Abeokuta, Ogun State , Oba(Dr.), Adekunle Oyelude Makama of Owu Kuta, Osun State, Oba(Dr), Olateju Adewoye of Owu-Isin, Kwara State, Oba Ajolola Akinfalabi of Orile-Owu, Osun State while Nigeria's former president and Balogun of Owu-Abeokuta, Olusegun Obasanjo was represented by wife, Bola Obasanjo
Highpoint of the event included the presentation of awards to Sen.Lekan Mustapha, Alhaji S A Maiyegun, Alhaji Akeula Mustapha and Dr.(Mrs) Titilola Iyabode Koleoso for their contributions to various Owu communities across the country as well as empowerment of some selected women in various trades by Obirin-Owu
The event was spiced-up with rich display of variety of cultural dance and music
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