The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has called for the Yoruba language to be developed and promoted as a medium of instruction for subjects such as Physics.
He made the call on Monday at the 2026 Odun Olodumare celebration and his 11th coronation anniversary at his palace in Iwo, Osun State.
The monarch said Yoruba can be used to teach different academic subjects if deliberate efforts are made to develop it and widen its use.
“Normally, I prefer to speak my Yoruba language. I want to upgrade the Yoruba language so that we can use it to teach Physics and all kinds of subjects and courses in the educational system,” he said.
He also spoke about preserving and modernising Yoruba culture. While praising its richness, he said the positive parts should be kept, while practices that encourage violence should be addressed.
“When it comes to culture, I want a culture that is free of violence. I accept all Yoruba cultures and traditions, but those that need modifications, particularly traditions that promote violence, must be addressed.
“It is not that I totally reject them, but I understand that change takes time,” he said.
The monarch also announced a N5 million empowerment scheme for at least 100 residents of Iwo. Each beneficiary will receive N50,000.
According to him, the beneficiaries will come from different parts of the community. They include members of the royal institution, princes, chiefs, the Muslim community, traditional initiates and ordinary residents.
He said they will be picked randomly and not through a predetermined process.
The celebration also drew members of different religious groups to the palace. They offered prayers and praises to God for the monarch, his subjects, Iwo town and the country.
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