CHIEF OJETADE ENLIGHTENS CORPS MEMBERS ON THE NORMS AND TRADITIONS OF THE YORUBAS

Chief Ayoade Ojetade had enlightened corps members on the norms and traditions of the Yoruba people, a knowledge needed for their successful stay in the State. 

He stated this while delivering the traditional lecture at the 2021 Batch C stream l orientation course at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ede on Monday.

He spoke about the Origin of the Yoruba people and how they were the descendants of Ile-Ife. He further cited places where Yoruba people are found around the globe, places such as the South-west in Nigeria; in African countries like Jamaica and Togo; in Foreign Countries like Europe to mention but a few. 

He highlighted that the Yorubas have three known Religion. Christianity, Islam and the traditional worshippers. They are also believed to have about four hundred and one deities. While the lesser gods such as Obatala, Esu, Osun etc are referred to as Orisa, the only Supreme being is usually referred to as Olodumare.

While speaking, he explained why Yoruba language may sound alike but have different meanings mentioning several examples like Okò as in Hoe, Okó as in Car. Furthermore, he talked about the marriage ceremony, the different type of music, the type of food they eat, the market system, the arts, occupations, textile and symbolism of the facial marks in Yorubaland. 

Chief Ojetade also touched on the taboos in some places in the State which according to him are almost non-existent due to the friendly and hospitable nature of the people of the State. But he warned corps members against going foul of the laid down rules in their host communities. 

“A female must not watch an Oró Performance whenever and wherever it is being observed, it is a taboo” he stressed.

Ojetade commended the scheme for incorporating the traditional lecture into the orientation program as this according to him, will prepare them adequately for the service year and will help them to integrate well with their host community.Chief Ayoade Ojetade had enlightened corps members on the norms and traditions of the Yoruba people, a knowledge needed for their successful stay in the State.