Traditional Ruler Educates NYSC Members On Yoruba Culture, Norms

A traditional ruler in Osun, the Alase of Ilase Ijesa, Oba Isiaka Adesina Odundun Asoludero Ajarabiolu II has described the Yoruba culture as one which has similarities and peculiarities which stood it out.

Oba Adesina who was speaking during an enlightenment lecture on the traditional culture for the 2021 Batch C Stream II NYSC members at the NYSC permanent orientation camp, Ede also hinted that the Yoruba culture is a way of life of the Yoruba people which cut across their behaviour, greetings, mode of dressing and acceptable norms.

While emphasising the definition and components of culture, the monarch stressed that the Yoruba culture and language were unique and interesting.

In his words, "The Yorubas have different greetings for different times of the day, seasons and events.

"Yoruba people also have various types of dressing and these included; Aso-oke, agbada, dashiki is and worn by men and iro and buba worn by the women. 

"Our men also have different types of caps they wear such as abeti ajá, among others."

Speaking on the posture of greeting of the Yoruba people, the Alase explained that men prostrate while women kneel to greet their elders as a mark of respect. 

"The Yoruba people also have a variety of food peculiar to them such as amala, made from Yam flour and ewedu with gbegiri (beans) soup. 

"Other food eaten by the Yorubas includes pounded yam, eba, egusi soup and efo riro (vegetable soup), among others."

He also explained that in Yoruba land, the belief in festivals and forefathers are upheld with honour.

Some of these festivals like the Osun Osogbo festival he noted are where they remember, praise, and pray for their forefathers.

"I commend the purpose of the NYSC Scheme as it exposes corps members to different cultures and people other than those in their states and geo-political zones," he concluded.