Ijebu Dialect Cultural Reinvention Takes Centre Stage as IYE LATI Foundation Hosts 6th Memorial Lecture and Debate in Ijebu-Ode
Ijebu-Ode came alive with intellectual discourse and cultural pride as the IYE LATI Foundation hosted its 6th Annual Alhaji Lateef Ajetunmobi Lawal Memorial Lecture alongside an inter-school debate competition—an event that underscored the urgency of cultural reinvention and indigenous language preservation in Ijebuland.
Held on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Mab-Royal Civic Centre, the programme attracted a broad spectrum of stakeholders in education, tradition, youth development, and community leadership. Among dignitaries in attendance were Hon. Lagun, Hon. BHO, representatives of the Ijebu Youth Forum, and the CEO of Fastlink Phones and Gadgets, Mr. Kazeem, alongside other prominent Ijebu personalities.
The event also recorded a strong Media presence, with coverage from Ijebu Today Magazine, Today RadioTV Online Station, Igboro Lawa Crew, Alare FM Crew, Root Magazine, NUJ Ogun East Independent Chapel representative and other independent Media platforms—highlighting the growing role of grassroots and digital Media in amplifying cultural narratives.
Anchored on the theme, “The British Assault on the Awujale Stool and the Decline of Ijebu Country: Historical Legacies and Future Implications – Reclaiming Sovereignty, Memory, and Cultural Continuity in Contemporary Ijebu,” the event provided a platform for deep reflection on Ijebu history and the path forward.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Professor Obatunde Bright Adetola of the Department of Sociology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, examined the far-reaching consequences of colonial interference on the Awujale Institution and the broader socio-political structure of Ijebuland.
He called for a deliberate cultural awakening and steps rooted in historical consciousness and indigenous knowledge systems.
“Cultural reinvention must begin with an honest understanding of our past. Only then can we reclaim what has been eroded and rebuilt a stronger identity,” he stated.
In a demonstration of commitment to academics as well as cultural traditional, custom heritages awareness development, the professor donated 25 books to participating schools plus other reference books on the subject matter to stakeholders, participants and guests
Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Adekunle Olubola Hassan, Otunba Obaruwa of Ijebu, emphasized the importance of sustained leadership support in cultural advocacy:
“This initiative is not just about remembering the past; it is about shaping the future. If we do not intentionally preserve our language and culture, we risk losing them entirely. Our youths must be encouraged to embrace their identity with pride,” he said.
Eyewitness Voices: Students, Teachers, Stakeholders Speak
The event resonated strongly with students who participated in the debate, many of whom described the experience as both challenging and rewarding.
Master Sodiq Akinwale of Abigi Comprehensive School, representing the overall winning team, shared his excitement:
“Debating in Ijebu dialect was not easy, but it made us think deeply about our culture. We practiced every day, and this victory means a lot to us.”
Miss Zainab Lawal from Moriaka Comprehensive School, which placed third, noted:
“Even though we didn’t come first, I’m proud of what we achieved. I can now speak more confidently in our dialect, and that is something I will keep for life.”
From the teachers’ perspective, the initiative was widely praised as a practical step toward language preservation.
Mrs. Funmilayo Adeyemi of Obata High School, Awa, remarked:
“This competition goes beyond academics. It reconnects students with their roots and gives them a sense of identity. We need more of this in our schools.”
Another teacher, Mr. Oluseun Adegboye, added:
“The level of preparation and enthusiasm from the students shows that our language is not lost—it only needs platforms like this to thrive.”
Stakeholders and guests at the event also commended the foundation for its vision and consistency.
A representative of the Ijebu Youth Forum described the programme as impactful:
“This is exactly what we need at this time—initiatives that bring young people closer to their heritage. Cultural identity must be preserved deliberately.”
A guest and community stakeholder, Alhaji Rafiu Balogun, noted:
“The lecture and the debate complement each other. While one educates the mind, the other strengthens cultural expression. It is a complete package.”
A media practitioner from Today RadioTV Online Station highlighted the broader significance:
“What we are witnessing here is cultural documentation in action. Through Media coverage, these efforts will reach even those who are not physically present.”
Debate, Recognition, and Cultural Commitment
A major highlight of the programme was the inter-school debate conducted strictly in the Ijebu dialect, reinforcing the foundation’s commitment to promoting indigenous language among youths.
Six secondary schools participated, delivering commendable performances. At the end of the competition:
Abigi Comprehensive School emerged as overall winner
Obata High School, Awa came second
Moriaka Comprehensive School secured third position
The event also featured recognition of individuals and groups who have contributed significantly to the development of Ijebuland.
The Ijebu Personality of Distinction Award was presented to Alhaji Engr. Femi Omotayo and Otunba Abdur-Rahman Odunowo of Alare FM for their roles in promoting culture through media.
Additionally, the Distinguished Ijebu Regberegbe Award was conferred on Egbe Jagunmolu Okunrin Fehintade for supporting education for students with special needs, and Egbe Arobayo Obirin Akile Ijebu for their humanitarian efforts, including the renovation of facilities at the State General Hospital.
A Renewed Call for Cultural Ownership
As the programme concluded, it left a lasting impression as both a remembrance of the past and a call to action for the future.
With strong participation from traditional leaders, youth groups, educators, and media organizations, the event reinforced the message that preserving Ijebu identity requires deliberate effort and collective responsibility.
Through a blend of scholarship, youth engagement, and cultural celebration, the IYE LATI Foundation has once again demonstrated that cultural reinvention is not only necessary but achievable—if embraced with commitment, continuity, and unity.
#Report by Femi Mebude, with assistance from Damilare Ibileye, for Ijebu Today Magazine, Today RadioTV Online Station, and Street Voice dub – Igboro Lawa.
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