Kunle Adelabu
The Bobakeye of Ikorodu and the custodian of Etunrenren Shrine, Otunba Adeniyi Banjoko, has urged the need for the people to exude confidence and pride in their heritage, if the people of Ikorodu want to preserve tradition and culture and give it a global relevance properly.
Otunba Banjoko, also emphasised the need for recognising values attached to language when the indigenous people embrace such as another important way of cultural preservation.
The traditional leader spoke recently at 2025 Ikorodu Division Students’ Fair & Summit, themed, “Harnessing Knowledge for a Sustainable Future: Exploring Education, Technology & Culture” held at the 500 -Seater Hall, Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH).
It was organised by the National Association of Ikorodu Division Students (NAIDS) under the leadership of Comrade Olatayo Bodunrin Ogunbowale.
“To save and preserve our cultural heritage, the first step is confidence. We must believe in ourselves, in our culture, and in our traditions. We must understand them and value them. Other civilizations have done this — China, India, and even European countries like Germany. They hold strongly to their languages, which serve as the backbone of their culture and traditions.”
The cultural ambassador insisted, ‘You cannot have a culture or tradition without your language. If you do not understand your language, you cannot fully understand who you are.’
Otunba Banjoko also deplored the role of religion in erosion of African culture and called for attaching great value to indigenous language if the situation is to be corrected.
“Another major challenge is religion. I must say, respectfully, that we have lost a huge part of our cultural identity through religion. Many of us were born into Christianity or Islam, and we gradually abandoned our traditional religious values, which are actually the foundation of our culture and heritage.
“This loss is not entirely our fault — it is a result of colonial exposure and influences that were passed across Africa.
“To rebuild, we must start by recognising the value of our language. In the Yoruba language, everything you need to understand about the culture is already embedded. The traditions are naturally expressed in the language,” Otunba Banjoko said.
Otunba Banjoko urged participants to value their own culture and respect other people’s culture, adding that attempts to stop certain traditional rites like Oro Festival should not be entertained.
“As a people, we are here in Lagos, precisely in Ikorodu, which is also part of Ijebu land—and all these places are rooted in Yoruba culture. Everything we have discussed today centres on Yoruba tradition. What we must take seriously is the need to respect the culture of the land where we live.
“If we say we want to hold the Oro festival, let us not say, “We are now civilized; it is no longer necessary.” No, we must understand the importance of what our forefathers set in place.
“Religion has already taken a big portion of our lives, and only a little fraction of our traditions remain. The Oro festival is one of the cultural systems used historically to protect the community.
“If we do not have cultural mechanisms to defend our land, what are we relying on? The Oro institution was designed to secure the environment. For example, if they announce that everyone should stay indoors by 11 p.m. because Oro is coming out, it is for the safety and protection of the community.”
Otunba Banjojo further said: “When an indigene or resident comes home late at night, those guarding the community will ask him to identify himself and once he responds, he will be allowed entry. This method discourages strangers or unknown people from wandering around the town at night.
“It sends a message: This land has owners. This community has protectors.
“So even if you do not practise traditional religion, support the cultural practices that protect the land. It is not a bad thing,” Otunba Banjoko appealed.
