Stop bearing foreign names, be proud of Yorùbá identity, Yemi Elebuibon
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A traditional ruler, Ifayemi Elebu-Ibon, urges Yoruba monarchs to embrace and preserve traditional religious and cultural practices, known as Ìṣẹ̀ṣe.
- He emphasizes that upholding these customs is crucial for community well-being, peace, unity, protection, and prosperity.
- Elebu-Ibon stresses that rulers should remain connected to their roots, even while personally practicing other faiths like Christianity or Islam.
Traditional ruler Ifayemi Elebu-Ibon has issued a strong call for Yoruba monarchs to actively preserve and promote Ìṣẹ̀ṣe, the traditional Yoruba religious and cultural practices. He stressed the importance of maintaining a connection to ancestral roots and upholding the customs that have been passed down through generations.
Elebu-Ibon emphasized that while monarchs are free to practice faiths such as Christianity or Islam in their private lives, the preservation of traditional rites remains a significant responsibility tied to their royal position and the welfare of their communities. He believes these traditional practices are vital for fostering peace, unity, protection, and prosperity within the Yoruba land.
The monarch asserted that rulers who are genuinely committed to their people's interests should not hesitate to embrace the cultural responsibilities inherent in their roles. He views the adherence to traditional rites as a cornerstone for the overall well-being and stability of their communities, reinforcing the unique cultural identity of the Yoruba people.
Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.