The Aladeshoyin of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja, has urged Yoruba youths to take greater interest in preserving, promoting and transmitting the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
Epe Insights reports that the monarch made the call ahead of the 2026 Isese Day celebration, urging youths to participate responsibly while recognising the importance of Yoruba culture to identity and community development.
Oba Ogunlaja stressed that cultural heritage remains an important link between generations and should not be allowed to fade with changing times.
He encouraged young people to learn more about Yoruba traditions, values, language, history and cultural practices.
According to the monarch, youths have an important role to play in ensuring that cultural knowledge is passed from one generation to another.
He noted that modernisation should not prevent younger generations from understanding and appreciating their roots.
The Aladeshoyin said Yoruba culture contains values that can continue to promote unity, respect, responsibility and peaceful coexistence.
He urged parents, traditional institutions and community leaders to support efforts aimed at educating young people about their heritage.
The monarch also called on Yoruba youths to use modern platforms and technology to promote positive aspects of Yoruba culture.
He noted that digital platforms provide opportunities for young people to document, share and showcase their cultural heritage to wider audiences.
Oba Ogunlaja further encouraged youths to approach the 2026 Isese Day celebration with responsibility and respect.
He called for peaceful celebrations that would promote unity rather than division within communities.
The monarch stressed that cultural celebrations should provide opportunities for people to appreciate their heritage while respecting others.
He urged participants to conduct themselves responsibly throughout the celebration.
According to him, peace and mutual respect should remain central to all cultural activities.
The Aladeshoyin also highlighted the role of traditional institutions in preserving cultural values.
He said traditional rulers have a responsibility to guide younger generations and encourage them to appreciate the importance of their heritage.
Oba Ogunlaja noted that cultural identity can help communities maintain a sense of belonging in an increasingly globalised society.
He encouraged Yoruba youths to see cultural preservation as a shared responsibility.
The monarch said the survival of Yoruba heritage depends largely on the willingness of younger generations to learn and promote it.
He also called for greater interest in the Yoruba language among young people.
According to him, language remains one of the strongest ways of preserving history, traditions and collective identity.
Oba Ogunlaja urged youths to speak, learn and promote Yoruba language whenever possible.
He also encouraged cultural organisations and community groups to create programmes that would make cultural education attractive to younger people.
The monarch said such initiatives could help bridge the gap between older and younger generations.
He maintained that cultural knowledge should remain relevant to contemporary society.
Oba Ogunlaja further noted that culture can serve as a platform for bringing people together.
He said responsible cultural celebrations can strengthen relationships among families, communities and generations.
The monarch urged community members to use Isese Day as an opportunity to celebrate their heritage peacefully.
He also called for respect for different beliefs and traditions during the celebration.
According to him, cultural diversity should be approached with understanding and mutual respect.
The Aladeshoyin said the preservation of Yoruba heritage should not be limited to traditional institutions alone.
He encouraged schools, families, youth organisations and community groups to participate actively in cultural education.
Oba Ogunlaja also emphasised the importance of documenting cultural history for future generations.
He said young people can contribute through research, storytelling, creative arts, documentaries and other forms of cultural expression.
The monarch expressed confidence that Yoruba youths have the creativity and capacity to promote their heritage effectively.
He urged them to combine modern innovation with respect for traditional values.
The Aladeshoyin also called on elders to create opportunities for young people to learn directly from those with knowledge of Yoruba traditions.
He said intergenerational engagement remains important to preserving cultural knowledge.
Oba Ogunlaja maintained that culture should be viewed as a source of identity, unity and community strength.
He encouraged residents to ensure that the 2026 Isese Day celebration reflects these values.
The monarch concluded by urging Yoruba youths to take ownership of their cultural heritage and become active ambassadors of Yoruba identity.
He also wished residents a peaceful and meaningful Isese Day celebration.
