On Tuesday, February 4th, the Department of Linguistics and African Languages, OAU hosted its 2024 Induction and Cultural Exhibition welcoming over 150 students of the department. The event, which took place at the Pit Theatre, was held to also celebrate the heritage of Yoruba culture and it featured a vibrant display of tradition.
The program began with a traditional Yoruba eulogy and a prayer led by Ifagbemileke, which set a respectful tone for the celebration.
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Chief Fatai Oodua (Lalude) encouraged the students to embark on a journey of self-discovery. He shared an illustrative chant he wrote which later became integral to his plays. He emphasized the importance of nurturing creativity and recognizing the value of their work. Students were motivated by his inspiring message to explore their talents and embrace their unique ideas.
The cultural exhibition showcased the vibrancy of Yoruba traditions. The first act, the Badagry Dance, infused energy and historical depth into the event. A highlight of the program was an adaptation of Hubert Ogunde’s “Yoruba Ronú,” directed by Joshua. This adaptation revisited Nigeria’s turbulent political history, emphasizing the contributions of Yoruba kings and town criers in conflict resolution and fostering unity.
The audience enjoyed captivating performances that portrayed various Yoruba deities:
Ọ̀sun, the goddess of love and fertility, blessed the audience with prayers for abundance and peace. Sàngó, the powerful god of thunder, electrified the stage with a dramatic performance symbolizing strength and justice.
Èṣù, the divine trickster, entertained the audience with his mischievous antics, while Ijala presented a dramatic piece exploring the dynamics between men and women. Ajayi Akewi also delivered a heartfelt eulogy celebrating the historical and spiritual significance of Ile-Ife.
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In an interview with ACJ-OAU correspondent, Precious Adeyeba, one of the inductees reflected on the experience, she said, ‘My expectations were met in every aspect. Events like this create awareness and spark interest in Yoruba culture. The highlight for me was the play, as I had the opportunity to speak in front of the audience and demonstrate my speaking skills. I also loved the general dance performance, which brought all of us together.”
Her sentiments beautifully captured the essence of the event, which celebrated the richness of Yoruba culture while fostering a sense of unity among participants.
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Other Notable attendees at the event were Professor W.A. Jayeola, Head of the Department of Linguistics and African Languages; Professor Abiodun Ogunwale; Professor Ajibade; Dr. Paul Akinwumi; Chief Fatai Oodua (Lalude); Kolawole Azeez Abiodun, Managing Director of Oodua 90.9 FM; Mr. Idris Olamilekan (Akewi Agbaye); and Oloye Samuel Ibikunle (Arugboboosi).
In his closing remarks, Dr. Olayiwola also encouraged the students to prioritize their academics while preserving their cultural heritage.