Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has passionately defended the Yoruba cultural heritage, describing it as an essential legacy that must be preserved. Speaking at a gathering in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Sunday, the former leader declared that anyone dismissing the significance of Ifa would be considered a “fool.”
Obasanjo made these remarks during the 50th birthday celebration of renowned female talking drummer, Olamuyiwa Aralola, popularly known as Ara. The event was held at the Green Legacy Hotel and Resort within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL).
Highlighting the importance of safeguarding African traditions, Obasanjo emphasized the need to protect Yoruba culture from extinction. He described Yoruba customs, including its language, food, and dress, as “authentic” and irreplaceable.
“We must not joke with our culture. We are being relegated to the background, our language, our food, our dress, and others. We must not allow it. They are things that are authentic. Yoruba is not vernacular,” he said.
Despite being a Christian, Obasanjo stressed that his faith does not overshadow his respect for traditional Yoruba beliefs. He referenced the Ifa Orunmila tradition, saying, “Before Christianity and Islam, we had Ifa Orunmila, meaning Olorun lo mo eni to ma la ‘It is Heaven that knows who will be saved.’ Whoever says Ifa is nothing, I will say that person is a big fool.”
The former president praised Ara for her role in preserving Yoruba culture, particularly her mastery of the talking drum, an art form traditionally dominated by men.
“For whatever reason, we must preserve our culture. Ara is a woman of culture; she is our cultural ambassador. She has lifted our culture and broken the taboo on what was formerly believed to be exclusively for the male gender,” Obasanjo said.
He noted that Ara’s achievements serve as an inspiration for others to excel in their respective fields. “The lesson from Ara’s actions is that one must do whatever he or she is doing very well. If you are a dancer, dance well. If you are a footballer, play well. Whatever you find your hands doing, do it well,” he added.
Obasanjo reflected on societal changes over the years, highlighting how once-taboo practices have evolved. “When I was growing up, there were two things you wouldn’t imagine a woman doing: climbing a palm tree and playing the talking drum. Ara has broken that taboo, and she has done it very well,” he remarked.
In her response, Ara expressed gratitude to Obasanjo for the honor and his unwavering support for Yoruba culture. She revealed that her journey with the talking drum began at the age of 10 in her father’s palace in Ondo.
“I thank Baba [Obasanjo] for this honor. My parents always taught me the importance of our culture, and I believe we should do everything possible to preserve it,” she said.
Obasanjo concluded his speech with a call to preserve African traditions and values. “We must not allow our culture to be relegated. Despite my Christianity, I still hold my culture dear. It is part of who we are as a people,” he stated.
The event served as both a celebration of Ara’s contributions to Yoruba culture and a rallying cry for the protection of African heritage in the face of modern challenges.
