The Olowu of Kuta in Osun State, Oba Adekunle Oyelude Makama, has bagged the UNESCO-TOFAC Cultural Ambassador Award in recognition of his monumental contribution to Nigerian educational development and the promotion of Yoruba culture and tradition.
The award was presented to Oba Oyelude during the opening ceremony of the 14th Toyin Falola International Conference on Africa and the African in Diaspora, held on Tuesday at the Osun State University Campus, Osogbo.
Speaking with newsmen, Olowu stated that as a custodian of culture, he feels elated, as it is a well-placed and merited award. He urged the organizers to use the program to support the Federal Government in using culture to reshape the image of Nigeria in the Diaspora.
Earlier in his speech after receiving the award, Olowu warned traditional rulers against attempting to redefine their roles beyond the cultural scope outlined by the Chieftaincy Law. He stressed that monarchs are primarily custodians of tradition and culture, not political actors.
Oba Oyelude lamented the growing number of what he described as “cultural misfits” within the traditional institution. He urged stakeholders to help identify and correct such anomalies for the sake of posterity.
The monarch called on scholars, intellectuals, and opinion leaders to actively promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage to the global audience, noting that positive storytelling about the country can reshape global perception.
Referencing the efforts of the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Olowu noted that the reparation campaign initiated years ago is yielding results, as many looted artefacts and bronze works are now being returned to Nigeria.
The monarch explained that culture must be at the heart of development strategies, adding that protecting culture, is not just symbolic; it is an act of survival and resistance.
He called for more support for the Federal Government, noting that culture can be used to rebrand Nigeria’s image in consonance with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
In his own words, the Osun Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Abiodun Bankole Ojo (Fafa), said the state government is working to provide an enabling environment for people to understand that culture is important.
He added that the government has embarked on different projects, such as the Erin-Ijesa Waterfall, among others, to turn the state into a centre of culture and tourism in the country.
Oba Oyelude was honoured alongside the Eburu of Iba, Oba Adekunle Adeogun-Okunoye; the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdulrosheed Olabomi; and the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin.
