Olowu Bags UNESCO-TOFAC Cultural Award, Reiterates Calls For Promotion Of Culture And Tradition
- Oba Dr Hammed Oyelude Makama, the Olowu of Kuta, has been honoured with the prestigious cultural award for his commitment to promoting cultural heritage
- Olowu urges traditional rulers and scholars to embody cultural values and share positive stories about Nigeria globally
- Prof. Toyin Falola reiterates the roles of traditional rulers as he explains the cultural misfits plaguing African culture
Osun State- Olowu of Kuta, Oba Dr Hammed Oyelude Makama, was honoured with the UNESCO-TOFAC Cultural Award 2025 at the University of Osun State on Monday, June 30.
The Monarch was welcomed by the Osun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Abiodun Bankole, as he congratulated the monarch for a well-deserved award and for being a Cultural Icon.
Legit.ng gathered that Oba Oyelude was honoured alongside Eburu of Iba, Oba Adekunle Adeogun-Okunoye, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdulrosheed Olabomi and the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin.
Source: UGC
Reacting to the development, Olowu admonished traditional rulers to shed the toga of religion and fully embrace the embodiment of culture and tradition, saying, " That's our calling."
“We are installed culturally, and we don’t have any role articulated by the Chieftaincy Law other than being traditional rulers for the maintenance of tradition and culture.
Speaking further, Oba Oyelude urged scholars and opinion moulders to assist in promoting several positive stories about Nigeria to the outside world.
Colonial influence on African culture
Earlier, in his welcome address titled ‘Culture Matters,’ Prof. Toyin Falola, in whose honour the conference was named, said that beyond preservation of people’s way of life, culture also remains a catalyst for creativity.
"Throughout history, colonisers did not just take the African land. They tried to erase the African culture. They changed African names, outlawed African languages, made a mockery of African religions, and imposed foreign systems. They did all of these because they understood that to capture a people, you must destroy their culture.
“They pass across messages about who belongs, who matters, who is remembered. That is why decolonising African education, literature, and public space is not merely symbolic but a fight to reclaim cultural dignity,” he explained.
Professor Olukoya Oghen, a Professor of History and TOFAC 2025 Co-convener, stated that Olowu was carefully selected for the award as a monarch who upholds the tradition of Yorubaland.
Osun monarch receives cultural welcome in UK
Legit.ng previously reported that the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Joseph Toriola, has embarked on a royal visit to the United Kingdom, where he was greeted with a vibrant and ceremonial welcome. The monarch’s arrival at Heathrow Airport in London was marked by traditional drumming and a gathering of community members, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Modakeke people.
The footage highlights the deep respect and admiration the Yoruba community in the UK holds for their traditional leader.
Ooni of Ife seen in a viral video with skull-like object
Legit.ng also reported that a video has been shared on Facebook with claims that it shows the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, publicly performing rituals with a human head.
The first-class monarch is seen pouring gin over what looks like a decapitated human head placed on a white cloth in a box.
Source: Legit.ng
