The National Commission for Museums and Monuments, through the National Museum of Unity, Ibadan, will on Friday, August 22, 2025, host the maiden edition of World Folklore Day with special recognition of Yoruba culture promoters.
The strictly Yoruba-speaking event, scheduled to hold at the Alado of Ado Awoye Hall, National Museum of Unity, Alesinloye, Ibadan, will feature traditional contests and performances, including Ayo Olopon competition, dressing and hairstyle competitions, folktales, oral poetry, drumming, and cultural dances.
The event will be graced by the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), as the Royal Father of the Day.
Other honorees include:
Olori Aderonke Ogunwusi, Wife of the Ooni of Ife (Grand Matron of Cultural Heritage)
Dr. Abidemi Olusola Bolarinwa, Dept. of Linguistics & African Languages, University of Ibadan (Matron of Cultural Heritage)
Prince Tunde Odunlade, CEO, Tunde Odunlade Arts & Culture Connections (Patron of Cultural Heritage).
Also to be decorated as Ambassadors of Museum Cultural Heritage are notable Yoruba culture icons, including:
Chief Abdul-Razak Adewale (Baba Sokoti), actor and content creator
Chief Kola Olotu, broadcaster and media personality
Alhaji Ibrahim Ajadi Chatta, actor and producer
Chief Kunle Ologundudu, poet and content creator
Akanda Oro Aiwoninko Akewi, poet and cultural promoter
Mr. Sanusi Davies, Chairman, Yoruba Artisans Association, Lagos
Dr. Adeola Faleye, Dept. of Linguistics & African Languages, OAU, Ile-Ife
Mrs. Adejoke Shomoye (Adejoke Ewa Ede), cultural content creator and adire promoter.According to the organizers, the celebration will not only showcase Yoruba traditional heritage but also encourage cultural preservation among the younger generation.
