By Bose Adelaja
CITIZENS COMPASS—The Yoruba Youth Council in Lagos, yesterday, resisted what it described as an attempt to to replace Yoruba cultural identity and heritage with another ethnic identity within the Itire-Ikate area of the State.
The Yoruba Youth Council in Lagos is under the leadership of Barr. Deji Folorunso Esq.
The group secretary, Omoluabi Emmanuel Adebayo Efunkomaya, disclosed this in a statement which drew the attention of the state Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, and the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, to the ugly development.
He said one of the moves by the wife of the council chairman was to replace the face of Itire Ikate with an Igbo woman.
The wife of the council chairman was said to have removed Yorubas from some sensitive positions and replaced them with Igbos.
The statement reads: The Yoruba Youth Council Lagos State, under the leadership of Barr. Deji Folorunso Esq., wishes to draw the attention of the Executive Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Oba of Lagos, and the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development to reports and concerns surrounding an alleged attempt to replace Yoruba cultural identity and heritage with another ethnic identity within the Itire-Ikate community.
As an organisation committed to the promotion, preservation, and protection of Yoruba culture, tradition, and values, we view any action capable of undermining the historical and cultural heritage of the indigenous Yoruba people as a matter requiring urgent attention and careful investigation.
We have received complaints from concerned youths and community stakeholders regarding the actions allegedly linked to the wife of the Chairman of Itire-Ikate, who is reported to be of Igbo extraction. These concerns suggest efforts that may alter or diminish the Yoruba identity and cultural representation within the community. We urge the relevant authorities to objectively investigate these claims and ensure that peace, mutual respect, cultural preservation, and justice prevail.
The Yoruba nation has always been known for its spirit of accommodation, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence with all ethnic groups. However, this hospitality should never be interpreted as a license to erode the cultural heritage, history, and identity of our people.
We therefore respectfully call on:
•His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to look into this matter and ensure that the cultural rights and heritage of indigenous communities are protected.
°The Oba of Lagos Oba Riliwan Akinolu Eleko of Eko and the Lagos State Council of Traditional Rulers to intervene and safeguard the rich cultural legacy of the Yoruba people.
°The Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development to engage relevant stakeholders and prevent any development capable of creating ethnic tension among youths.
We urge all Yoruba youths to remain calm, law-abiding, and committed to peaceful advocacy while awaiting the intervention of the appropriate authorities.
The preservation of our culture, language, traditions, and ancestral heritage remains a collective responsibility. We must continue to promote unity, justice, and peaceful coexistence while protecting the identity of our people for future generations.
The Yoruba Youth Council also drew the attention of the Lagos State Commissioner for Arts, Tourism and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, to the development in Itire-Ikate.
