Chairman of the Yoruba Day 2025 Organizing Committee, Baale Amb. Oyeyemisola Fatuyi, FIIM, has voiced concerns about widespread misconceptions surrounding Yoruba roots and heritage.

Speaking at the Yoruba Day 2025 media launch on Saturday, 26 April 2024, at the UDS Guest House in Accra, Ghana, the Baale of Mataheko Afienya emphasized the importance of Yoruba cultural practices in Ghana. He explained that the event's purpose is to celebrate, promote, and strengthen Yoruba traditions in the country.

In a conversation with MyNigeria, Baale Fatuyi highlighted the negative stereotypes that have surrounded culture, heritage, tradition, and religion—factors he believes discourage many from participating in Yoruba cultural events.

“There is this misconception about our roots and heritage, as many don't understand the difference between culture, heritage, tradition, and religion. For this reason, many people shy away from Yoruba cultural events,” he remarked.

He also expressed deep concern about the declining connection to Yoruba traditions, particularly among younger generations in the diaspora.

“Many of our people, especially our children in the diaspora, are losing touch with their roots. They struggle to speak our mother tongue, dance our traditional dances, recognize or prepare our traditional foods, or even wear our traditional attire,” he lamented.

To address this issue, Baale Fatuyi assured that the community would provide resources to support younger generations in learning and preserving their local dialect.

“We shall be giving out a book titled Easy Way to Read, Speak, and Write the Yoruba Language as part of our efforts to enhance and deepen our culture.”
He further revealed plans for collaboration with the All Nigerian Community (ANC) and other groups to foster stronger ties with different tribes and African communities, as part of efforts to promote unity and cultural exchange.

On his part, Alhaji Sidiku Buari, the President of the Yoruba Council of Elders and keynote speaker, reflected on Yoruba culture’s 200-year history in Ghana, emphasizing the significant contributions of the Yoruba community to the nation's growth and development.

While acknowledging Ghana as their home, Buari reminded the community of their roots, quoting the adage, “A tree that forgets its roots cannot stand tall.”

“Even though many of us were born or raised here in Ghana, we must never forget where we came from,” he said.

In his final remarks, Buari encouraged individuals to continue striving for progress, peace, and the preservation of their identity.

President of the All Nigerian Community (ANC) in Ghana, Albert Asaolu raised concern on the growing trend of young Nigerian girls being trafficked to Ghana.
Describing it as a "menace", he called for a collective effort in the fight against the problem.

He disclosed he that he gets deeply emotional when speaking to these trafficked victims.

He emphasized that while the government will address the issue, the fight against human trafficking requires collective action. He urged everyone to confront the problem head-on, regardless of governmental intervention.



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