Yoruba Cultural Preservation gains traction as Oluwo and Yoruba Council of Elders unite to protect ancestral land, promote reform, and safeguard traditions

Yoruba Cultural Preservation received a major boost on Wednesday as the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, and the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) pledged to work together to safeguard the heritage, traditions, and ancestral lands of the Yoruba people.

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The meeting, held at the Oluwo’s palace in Iwo, Osun State, was led by the YCE National President, Chief Ajibade Oyekan.

The high-level engagement focused on strengthening cultural identity, curbing land encroachment, and detaching deity worship from Yoruba tradition.

Oba Akanbi, a vocal proponent of cultural modernization, emphasized that true Yoruba Cultural Preservation does not equate to idolatry. “Culture is not religion. I stand for a clean, progressive Yoruba culture that promotes love, dignity, and respect,” he stated.

He also urged the elders to caution monarchs making unverified historical claims, especially those attributing the origins of other ethnic groups to the Yoruba, calling such statements divisive and unproductive.

The monarch declared that no land had been sold under his reign, reinforcing his stance against land grabbing—a growing issue in Yorubaland.

“I see myself as a cleaner. We must clean our house. I’m ready to work with YCE to sanitize and unify the Yoruba race,” Oba Akanbi added, showing readiness for bold reform.

In response, Chief Oyekan praised the Oluwo’s transparency and commitment, noting that the meeting aimed to foster harmony among monarchs and protect Yoruba territories from infiltration and illegal acquisitions.

“Even culture is dynamic. Our monarchs must adapt to modern realities while holding firm to cultural pride,” Oyekan stressed.

The Yoruba Cultural Preservation dialogue also explored the separation of faith from culture, with both parties agreeing that such distinction can revive tourism, strengthen identity, and modernize traditional governance.

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This united front signals a renewed determination to protect Yoruba identity, ensuring it evolves meaningfully—without losing its soul.