THE paramount ruler of Ijesaland in Osun State, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, on Thursday commended the Lagos State House of Assembly’s efforts in promoting and preserving Yoruba language and culture.
Aromolaran, who gave the commendations while observing the House plenary session in Yoruba, called on other Houses of Assembly in southwestern Nigeria to take a cue from the parliament.
According to the first class ruler, who chides parents, schools and traditional chiefs for not encouraging Yoruba language, said children learned better in their native languages.
“The first thing I observed was that all proceedings were conducted in Yoruba language and that struck me and was strange to me.
“I was not surprised because I knew before coming that the Lagos State House of Assembly encourages our indigenous language.
“The bill passed by the House that made the Yoruba language to be made compulsory in primary and secondary schools goes a long way to enhance the language.
“The Yoruba language is spoken in countries like Cuba, Brazil and some other European countries but we are here looking down on our language as pupils in primary schools cannot speak their indigenous languages.
“Without understanding your indigenous language, you (a student) can hardly make progress in the other subjects.
“I appreciate what the entire Lagos House of Assembly is doing and also their respect for the traditional institutions,” the Oba said.
Oba Aromolaran added that he was moved by the way every lawmaker eulogised Oba Rilwanu Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos as he celebrates the 15th anniversary of his coronation.
The paramount ruler, who noted that he had visited several legislative houses within and outside the country, said Lagos Assembly had no comparison, especially in Nigeria.
On lack of the role for the traditional institution in Nigerian Constitution, the Oba called on the Lagos Assembly to work together with the National Assembly to ensure, at least, an advisory role was given to traditional institutions.
According to him, at least 90 percent of traditional rulers in the country today are educated with some of them being engineers, professors, accountants, legislators, among others.
In his reactions, the Speaker of the House, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, who expressed joy over the visit, urged all Nigerians of Yoruba descents to support the promotion of the language.
Obasa said: “We have shown support that we should have a strong belief in our traditional institution and to continue to promote our culture.
“We will continue to serve the people of Lagos, that has always been our major interest. One of the reasons we were elected is to serve the people of Lagos.
“So, with this accolades, we will continue to put in all efforts at ensuring that Lagos is moving forward”.
On lack of a constitutional role for traditional institutions, Obasa said that the House would be part of the call for attention on the issue.
Also speaking, Mr Tunde Braimoh, the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, who thanked Oba Aromolaran for his commendation, said the accolades remained a challenge for the House to do better.
The House, which conducts its Thursday’s proceedings in Yoruba language, later adjourned its plenary session until June 4.
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