Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, is fast becoming a cultural ambassador like some of his colleagues in the hallow chamber, due to his continuous advocacy for the usage of indigenous languages, especially Yoruba language, at official functions.
This, according to Hon. Obasa who also the Chairman of the State Assembly Speakers in Nigeria, would further preserve and enhance the indigenous culture.
The Speaker, who is the Sobaloju of Ikorodu Kingdom, made the assertion at the grand finale of the 28th edition of the Ikorodu Oga Day celebration held at the Ayangbure palace in Ikorodu on Saturday, November 16, 2019.
The event was the second outing to be attended by Hon. Obasa in Ikorodu in the last two weeks.
Speaking about the importance of the Ikorodu-Oga Day Carnival, he stated that the essence of the celebration is to promote the culture and tradition of the Ikorodu people.
“There is no way we can promote our culture with foreign language. We must use our indigenous language to promote our culture and tradition”, Speaker Obasa stated.
He pleaded with the royal fathers to also ensure that Yoruba Language is used at official ceremonies in order to preserve it.
“I enjoin our traditional rulers to always ensure that our language is used at public engagements like others are doing globally”.
Obasa stated that the usual practice for any foreign guest who cannot understand the language to get an interpreter to help him or her.
“There is nothing like using our language to advance our culture if we are truly to promote our identity”.
Obasa had earlier this month at the 2nd edition of Asa Arokolo (man on delicate stilt sticks) festival held at the Ikorodu Ferry Terminal, called for the use of Yoruba language at official engagements.
