The Adegbemile Cultural Centre in Akure, Ondo State, was filled with colour and cultural excitement on Wednesday as traditional rulers, cultural enthusiasts and performers gathered for the maiden edition of CULFEST 1.1, a festival aimed at promoting and preserving Yoruba heritage.
The event featured traditional music, dance performances, fashion exhibitions and cultural discussions, all reflecting the richness and diversity of indigenous traditions.
Convener of the festival, Yèyé Modupe O. Akerele, who holds the traditional title of Yèyé Àṣà of Ìkàré Àkókó and is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Cultural House, said the initiative was designed to celebrate Yoruba culture while creating a platform for cultural education and community engagement.
Speaking with journalists during the event, Akerele stressed the importance of safeguarding indigenous traditions, warning that cultural heritage must not be allowed to disappear.
She said, “The idea behind this cultural festival is to appreciate, celebrate and promote Yoruba cultural heritage. Our cultural heritage must not go into extinction.
“CULFEST is not just another gathering; it is a powerful celebration of heritage, creativity, fashion, rhythm and community. It is a space where tradition meets expression and identity takes centre stage.”
Akerele also called on the government to strengthen the teaching of indigenous languages in schools, urging that Yoruba should be given the same level of attention as English in the education system.
“Government should implement policies that make primary and secondary schools take Yoruba language seriously just like English. As English is a criterion for gaining admission into higher institutions, our local languages should also be recognised as criteria for admitting students,” she added.
She further noted that the festival combined cultural celebration with social impact, explaining that medical outreach programmes and the distribution of free eyeglasses were organised to support members of the community.
“The festival is not only about celebration; it is also about service to the community. We organised medical outreach programmes and distributed free eyeglasses because culture should also improve the quality of life of our people,” she said.
The event attracted several traditional rulers, including the Owa Ale Adimula of Ikare-Akoko, Oba Adeleke Adefemi Adegbite-Adedoyin II, who commended the organisers for promoting Yoruba culture and preserving indigenous traditions.
Describing the initiative as timely, the monarch said efforts aimed at showcasing Yoruba identity should be encouraged across the region.
“The festival is a round peg in a round hole. Showcasing Yoruba culture must be encouraged, especially by entertainers and cultural promoters. I am encouraged by what I am seeing here,” he said.
Also speaking, Afrocentric musician Adekunle Fasuyi, popularly known as Samba, described the festival as an important platform for projecting African heritage and encouraging appreciation for indigenous values.
He noted that the fear that the Yoruba language could go extinct is largely due to inadequate promotion and appreciation among the people.
“For many years some Africans treated Yoruba as inferior and preferred foreign languages, particularly English, but things are gradually changing as more people recognise the importance of preserving their culture,” he said.
Fasuyi urged parents to take responsibility for preserving indigenous languages by teaching their children their mother tongue and instilling pride in their heritage.
“The primary responsibility for preserving language lies with parents. Families must teach their children their native language and ensure they grow up with pride in their culture,” he said.
He also advocated reforms in the education system, arguing that excessive reliance on English as a benchmark for academic success has negatively affected some students.
“Many students have had their academic progress hindered because of poor performance in English despite excelling in other subjects. English alone should not determine a student’s academic future,” he added.
Another cultural advocate, Ambassador Olamide Ademilua, also urged parents to encourage their children to speak indigenous languages confidently.
He said families must stop portraying Yoruba and other local languages as inferior and instead teach children to value their linguistic heritage.
“It should be considered shameful for someone not to understand or speak their mother tongue, rather than being seen as sophistication,” he said.
The highlight of the festival was the presentation of cultural recognition awards to individuals who have made significant contributions to the promotion and preservation of culture.
Among the awardees were cultural promoter Olamilekan Fabilola, popularly known as Masoyinbo; Yoruba language scholar Ademola Olamide Seyifunmi; Are Ọba Àṣà Àgbáyé; Ondo State Ajumn President Bolanle Lebson Idanegbe; President of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Alumni Association, Engr. (Chief) Adesina V. Adeola; and cultural promoter St. Duro, among others.
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