FOUNDATION FOR THE PRESERVATION OF YORUBA CULTURE STORMS REPUBLIC OF BENIN ON A COURTESY VISIT TO EIGHT YORUBA MONARCHS

A three man delegation from the Foundation for the Preservation of Yourba Culture and Heritage visited the neighbouring Republic of Benin on a two-day Thank You visit to the eight Yoruba traditional rulers who attended the 2nd Annual Global Yoruba History and Heritage celebration recently organised by the Foundation at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

The team led by the Board Secretary, Dr. Tola Adenekan, included Dr. Olugbenga Gbolahan and a youth volunteer, Mr. Adedeji Adenekan.

They were received and escorted at the Idiroko border by a renowned Republic of Benin based Yoruba broadcaster, Adeyinka Adewoyin, who guided them through the tour.

While in Benin Republic, the team visited four palaces in Plateu state, Port Novo and other provinces in the country to pay homage to the rulers in accordance with Yoruba custom and culture. 

Among the obas visited were, the Onifonyin of Ifonyi Kingdom, Oba Rafiu Onifade Adebowale Aniwajoye, the Olu of Ologo Kingdom Oba Ismaila Elegbedu Oje, the Onikoyi Abesan of Ajase Kingdom Oba Abdul Rahaman Aderemilekun and Oba Yekini Adebowale Kabiru. 

Others were the Osolo of Ipobe Kingdom, Oba Camille Adegbola Adekiwootebole Arole Oranmiyan, the Ologunba of Ogunba Kingdom, Oba Ogunji Abdulazeez, the Alaayogo of Ayogo Kingdom Oba Oyeyemi Adedotun and the Onilaso of Ilaso Kingdom, Oba Ki Foul Adehoumi Adekpadawale who doubles as the President of the 24-members Yoruba Oba Council in Plateu State, Republic of Benin. 

During the visit, the team lead, Dr Tola Adenekan, expressed the Foundation's gratitude to the Obas for identifying with their root and enjoined them to relentlessly promote the rich culture and values of Yoruba, even in their foreign domains. 

In their separate responses, the Obas commended the Foundation for its efforts in the preservation of Yourba culture and heritage as exemplified at the recently organised event in Abeokuta which provided them the opportunity of linkage with their brother Obas in Nigeria.

The Obas specifically appreciated the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo and the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Professor Saka Adelola Matemilola as well as the foundation president, Barrister Kehinde Adebayo Somoye for the warm reception and hospitality accorded them during the event.

E-SIGNED, 

DR TOLA ADENEKAN 

BOARD SECRETARY. 

08033468435