Ogunleye urges constituents to promote Yoruba language

Gbolahan Ogunleye, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly (APC-Ikorodu 1), has called on his constituents to champion the promotion and preservation of the Yoruba language to prevent its extinction.

Ogunleye made the plea during his 50th birthday celebration at his constituency office in the Ebute area of Ikorodu, Lagos.

The lawmaker expressed concern over the erosion of Yoruba cultural values, including traditional greetings, native songs, attire, names, and the overall respect for elders that once defined the Yoruba people.

“Today, Yoruba language is facing a serious challenge to the extent that the coming generation is at a loss in the rudiments of their mother tongue. There is an urgent need to promote and preserve Yoruba language because it teaches good morals and respect for elders,” Ogunleye said.

As the Chairman of the House Committee on Overseas Investment and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Ogunleye highlighted efforts by the Lagos State House of Assembly to preserve Yoruba culture, such as mandating the use of Yoruba language during plenary sessions every Thursday.

In appreciation of his constituents’ support, Ogunleye empowered over 70 women leaders from various wards with ₦50,000 each to boost their businesses, totaling ₦3.5 million. Additionally, he visited Chloe Orphanage Home, where he donated food items and other essentials worth about ₦5 million, including bags of beans, garri, beverages, and insecticides.

Japhet Odesanya, a political leader, praised Ogunleye’s generosity toward women and the orphanage, urging beneficiaries to use the funds wisely. He also commended Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, for initiatives to revive and promote the Yoruba language within legislative processes.

“Yoruba should be retooled and redefined because it has been taken away from us by colonialists,” Odesanya said.

Olukemi Olukoya, Chief Executive Officer of Chloe Orphanage Home, expressed gratitude for the lawmaker’s support, encouraging other philanthropists to follow his example.

Similarly,  Folasade Oloko, a woman leader and empowerment beneficiary from Ikorodu North, thanked Ogunleye for the financial support and urged recipients to utilize the funds effectively to improve their livelihoods.