The Aseyin of Iseyinland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Sefiu Oyebola Olawale Adeyeri III, has charged Nigerian youths to embrace, preserve and promote Yoruba cultural heritage, which he described as an invaluable inheritance that must be protected against the erosion of contemporary influences.
The monarch delivered the charge through his representative, Dr Ajayi Babatunde, during the traditional lecture organised for the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream II corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Iseyin, Oyo State.
The engagement provided an insightful exploration of Yoruba history, customs and traditional values, reinforcing the importance of cultural consciousness in nation-building.
Tracing the historical evolution of the Yoruba people, the royal representative highlighted ancestral narratives associated with Oduduwa and the migration account linking the Yoruba to Mecca, while affirming Ile-Ife’s enduring status as the cradle of Yoruba civilisation.
He observed that the Yoruba people possessed a well-structured system of governance long before colonial intervention, which he said was founded on justice, accountability, respect for constituted authority and collective responsibility.
He further explained that Yoruba names are deeply rooted in family history, ancestry and circumstances surrounding a child’s birth, reflecting the cultural significance attached to identity and lineage.
He noted that the Yoruba hold good morals, integrity and exemplary conduct in high esteem, values which he said have remained fundamental to their traditional institutions and communal life.
The monarch also highlighted the industrious disposition of the Yoruba people, particularly their longstanding involvement in agriculture, commerce, craftsmanship and other productive enterprises.
He drew attention to the rich textile heritage of Iseyinland, renowned for its traditional weaving of the celebrated Aso-Oke fabric, a cultural treasure which he said continues to distinguish the town as an important centre of indigenous craftsmanship.
He also spoke on the cultural significance of tribal marks, particularly among members of royal households, explaining their historical relevance to lineage, identity and family heritage.
Emphasising the importance of cultural identity, he encouraged corps members to appreciate traditional Yoruba attire, including iro, buba and gele for women, as well as agbada, sokoto, dansiki and fila for men.
He further urged them to uphold decent dressing, respect elders, appreciate indigenous customs and remain sensitive to the traditions of their host communities.
In his remarks, the NYSC Oyo State Coordinator, Mr Kayode Ola Peters, expressed profound appreciation to the Aseyin and the people of Iseyinland for their hospitality and sustained support for the Scheme.
He reaffirmed the Scheme’s commitment to fostering national integration, cultural appreciation and grassroots development, noting that exposure to the traditions and values of host communities equips corps members with the understanding and cultural sensitivity required for meaningful service delivery.
He encouraged the corps members to internalise the lessons from the lecture and serve as worthy ambassadors of unity, discipline and cultural tolerance wherever their national service might take them.
The traditional lecture culminated in a captivating cultural showcase by the corps members’ cultural troupe, whose colourful presentations of indigenous music and dance expressions brought the richness of Yoruba heritage to life.