Oríkì Is the living archive of Yoruba civilisation – Akire of Ikire-Ile
*As Osun Monarch speaks at Iba’s Oriki Yoruba Festival
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
The Akire of Ikire-Ile, His Royal Majesty Oba AbdulAzeez Olatunbosun Adebamiji, has described Oríkì as the living archive of Yoruba civilisation, stressing its enduring role in preserving history, identity and values across generations.
The monarch made this assertion on Saturday December 13, 2025 at the 6th edition of the Oríkì Yorùbá Festival held in Iba, Osun State, where he joined other traditional rulers and cultural stakeholders from across the state.
Speaking at the festival, Oba Adebamiji said Oríkì goes beyond poetic praise, noting that it preserves collective memory, shapes character and transmits the achievements and values of Yoruba ancestors from one generation to another.
Oríkì, he said, “preserves memory, shapes character, and transmits the values and achievements of our forebears,” the monarch said, adding that, “Through Oríkì, our language is strengthened, our history is kept alive, our culture is renewed, and our people become firmly rooted in honour and tradition.”
The Akire, who is regarded as a strong advocate of cultural preservation, has continued to promote Yoruba language and traditions since ascending the throne. A former higher institution lecturer, the monarch is widely known for blending intellectual depth with a strong commitment to Yoruba customs, while fostering religious tolerance within his kingdom.
Addressing the gathering, Oba Adebamiji extended royal greetings to fellow traditional rulers, chiefs, elders, scholars, cultural custodians, performers and sons and daughters of Iba land, describing the festival as a powerful platform for unity and cultural continuity.
“It gives me great pleasure, as the Akirè of Ìkirè-Ilé Kingdom and a custodian of our ancestral heritage, to stand before you at this 6th edition of the Oríkì Yorùbá Festival,” he said. “We are gathered not merely to celebrate poetic expression, but to reaffirm our history, identity and collective dignity as the Yorùbá people.”
He emphasized the importance of sustaining the festival as a link between generations, urging that it continue to serve as a bridge between elders and youths to ensure the preservation and transmission of Yoruba heritage.
“Here in the ancient town of Ìbà, this festival must continue to serve as a bridge between the elders and the youth, ensuring that our rich cultural heritage is preserved, promoted and proudly handed over to generations yet unborn,” he said.
The monarch concluded with prayers for the continued relevance of Yoruba culture, saying, “May Oríkì never fade from our lips. May Yorùbá culture continue to shine with dignity, relevance and pride.”
