- Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja urges Yoruba youths to preserve and promote their cultural heritage.
- Monarch calls for peaceful and responsible celebration of Isese Day 2026.
- Aladeshoyin emphasises culture as a tool for unity, identity and intergenerational connection.
The Aladeshoyin of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja, has called on Yoruba youths to take greater interest in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the monarch made the call in his message to mark the 2026 Isese Day celebration scheduled for Thursday, August 20, 2026, where he extended his greetings and goodwill to the people of Epe Division, Odo-Noforija, Lagos State, and Yoruba sons and daughters across the world.
Oba Ogunlaja described Isese as an important expression of Yoruba cultural heritage, history, values, traditions and identity, noting that the celebration provides an opportunity to reconnect with the wisdom and values handed down by the forebears.
According to him, Isese reminds the people of values that promote peace, unity, respect, communal responsibility and harmonious coexistence.
The traditional ruler urged Nigerians to use the celebration to appreciate the richness of Yoruba culture while promoting tolerance and mutual respect among people of different faiths and backgrounds.
He stressed that cultural diversity should be viewed as a source of strength, while cultural heritage should serve as a bridge for connecting generations and strengthening communities.
The Aladeshoyin particularly encouraged youths to learn and promote the Yoruba language, history, arts, traditional institutions, festivals and other aspects of the people’s cultural heritage.
“A people who understand and value their history are better positioned to build a confident and prosperous future,” the monarch stated.
Oba Ogunlaja also called on residents to celebrate responsibly and peacefully, maintaining the dignity associated with Yoruba cultural heritage.
He prayed for peace, unity, prosperity, good health and renewed hope across Odo-Noforija Kingdom, Epe Division, Lagos State and Nigeria.
The monarch further prayed for wisdom and strength for traditional institutions across the country to continue serving and contributing to the development of their communities.
He concluded his message with the Yoruba cultural affirmation: “Aṣà wa ni ìdánimọ̀ wa; àṣà wa ni ogún wa” — Our culture is our identity; our culture is our heritage.
