Obasanjo calls for preservation of Yoruba culture, celebrates female talking drum icon Ara

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on Africans, particularly the Yoruba people, to safeguard their rich cultural heritage and prevent its extinction.

Speaking passionately about the erosion of African traditions in favor of Western culture, Obasanjo emphasized the importance of preserving authentic Yoruba customs, language, and practices.

During an event celebrating renowned female talking drum expert Ara, the former President lamented the relegation of indigenous cultures and urged a collective effort to reverse the trend.

“Culture is the totality of who we are,” Obasanjo said. “Unfortunately, we have relegated some aspects of our culture to the background—our food, our language, our dress, and so on. They even say Yoruba is vernacular. That is not right. Yoruba is Yoruba; it is authentic, and we must learn to celebrate what belongs to us because that’s authentic.”

He also addressed misconceptions about Yoruba spirituality, defending its significance within the cultural framework.

“I am a Christian. I have been to two churches today, but whoever says Ifa Orunmila is nothing must be a bloody fool. I will say that person is a big fool because Orunmila has been with us before the advent of Christianity or Islam. Ifa Orunmila means Olorun lo mo eni to ma la—‘It is Heaven that knows who will be saved.’”

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The event also served as an opportunity to honor Ara, the celebrated female talking drum virtuoso, for her contributions to Yoruba culture and her role as a cultural ambassador.

Obasanjo praised her for breaking societal taboos and excelling in a traditionally male-dominated art form.

“For whatever reason, we must preserve our culture. Ara is a woman of culture; she is our cultural ambassador. She has lifted our culture and broken the taboo surrounding what was once believed to be exclusively for the male gender. She has not only excelled in this but is also nurturing young ones to preserve her legacy,” he said.

Reflecting on societal changes, Obasanjo noted, “When I was growing up, there were two things you would never imagine a woman doing: climbing a palm tree and playing the talking drum. Ara has broken the taboo, and she has done it very well.”

The former President encouraged young people to emulate Ara’s determination and dedication, urging them to excel in their respective endeavors. “Whatever good your hands find to do, do it well, and I will celebrate you. The lesson here is that nothing is unimportant in any area of human endeavor,” he said.

In her remarks, Ara, a talking drum expert from Ondo State, expressed gratitude to Obasanjo for recognizing her achievements, noting that the honor filled a void left by her late parents.

She shared her journey, revealing that she began playing the talking drum at the age of 10 in her father’s palace in Ondo. Ara also emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage, urging parents to encourage their children to embrace their roots.

“I am where I am today because I refused to let my dream die,” she said, calling on Nigerians to take pride in their cultural identity and pass it on to future generations.

The event highlighted the urgent need for cultural preservation in the face of globalization and the growing dominance of foreign influences.

Obasanjo’s call for action resonated with attendees, reinforcing the message that safeguarding culture is essential to maintaining a people’s identity and authenticity.