The Alake of Ẹgbaland, His Imperial Majesty, Ọba (Dr) Adedọtun Arẹmu Gbadebọ, has emphasized that Nigeria, particularly the Yoruba people, should take the lead in advocating for UNESCO’s recognition of World Headdress Day, given the rich cultural heritage and unique use of headdresses within the country.
The monarch made this declaration on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, during a courtesy visit by the leadership of Ọmọ Yorùbá Àtàtà Socio-cultural Initiative (ỌYÀSI) to the Alake-in-Council.
Speaking through Chief (Engr) Olusọji Ṣodamọla, the Oluwo Itoku, Ọba Gbadebọ stressed the importance of cultural pride and preservation.
“It is a pity that majority of we Yorubas have children who cannot speak our language. This is not limited to those in the diaspora, it also happens here in Yorùbáland,” he lamented.
However, he expressed hope, noting that Ẹgbaland remains a stronghold of Yoruba cultural values. “We are happy that this initiative is coming up at this period of time.”
Ọba Gbadebọ declared that Nigeria, as a country with deep-rooted headdress traditions, particularly among the Yoruba, should rightfully be the originator of World Headdress Day. “No other tribe deserves the glory more than the Yoruba,” he asserted.
Earlier, Chairman of ỌYÀSI, Mr. Ọlawale Ajao, had briefed the traditional council on the group’s mission and the upcoming second edition of the World Headdress Celebration, scheduled for December 28, 2025, in Ibadan.
He said the group was at the palace to seek the support and blessing of the traditional leadership for the initiative, which is among the group’s flagship programmes.
Mr. Ajao was accompanied by the group’s treasurer, Mr. Adeyẹmi Olorire. They were received by members of the Alake-in-Council, including Chief (Dr) Fatai Badru, the Jaguna Ijẹun; Chief Taofeeq Aarẹ (Ọtun Iporo); Chief Yẹkini Ṣomade (Oluwo Ẹkun); and host Chief Olusọji Ṣodamọla.
The Alake-in-Council pledged to brief the monarch fully upon his return from abroad, reinforcing the palace’s commitment to cultural preservation and support for initiatives that celebrate Yoruba heritage.