A traditional ruler in Ile-Ife, Osun State, the Akire of Ife, Oba Olawuni Bamijogbin Alao, has called for the teaching of indige...
A traditional ruler in Ile-Ife, Osun State, the Akire of Ife, Oba Olawuni Bamijogbin Alao, has called for the teaching of indigenous languages in both private and public schools in the state.
The Akire while speaking with Newsmen in his Palace said, only the mastery of the mother tongue would ensure proficiency in both written and spoken English.
Oba Alao, who noted the indigenous languages as the vehicle for the promotion of culture and tradition, lamented that they are facing the risk of extinction due to non speaking of Yoruba language in the schools today, especially in the privately owned schools.
According to Akire of Ife land, "As a custodian of the culture of the people, I have to communicate in Yoruba always. It is unfortunate and alarming that the English language has displaced indigenous languages in many of our homes today.
Even our schools are not helping matters as they don’t encourage the teaching of our local languages".
Oba Alao, who commended Governor Gboyega Oyetola for recognising and promoting Yoruba cultures condemned in totality some traditional rulers abandoning Yoruba cultures and traditions that took them to the throne and going for foreign religions.
The Akire of Ife, however lauded the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, for uniting the entire Yoruba race and for pursuing betterment of all and sundry.
" Our Baba, the Oonirisa, Oba Ogunwusi is not just an Oba, but a father of all who has been pursuing peaceful coexistence among the Yoruba race even globally" Oba Alao concluded.
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