Alaafin of Oyo Endorses Ìwà Day, Urges Yoruba Youths to Uphold Character, Leadership Values

Alaafin of Oyo Endorses Ìwà Day, Urges Yoruba Youths to Uphold Character, Leadership Values

OYO, February 7, 2026 — The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Abimbola Akeem Owoade, Elewu Etu I, has officially endorsed the celebration of Ìwà Day as an annual event, calling on Yoruba youths to embrace good character, responsible leadership, and cultural values as pillars of societal development.

The 2026 edition of Ìwà Day, hosted at the Federal School of Surveying, Oyo, featured the National Yoruba Youth Summit, which brought together traditional leaders, professionals, students, and stakeholders from across the Yoruba region.

In his address, Oba Owoade emphasized that character is the foundation of leadership, warning that societies first collapse through moral decay before economic or infrastructural decline. He urged youths to uphold integrity, discipline, accountability, and responsibility in both public and private life.

Welcoming participants, Prof. Prince Tolani Hassan, President of the Coalition of Yoruba Youth Leaders Forum, pledged that Yoruba youths would remain committed to their cultural heritage, avoid criminal tendencies, and rise as responsible leaders. He also called on the federal government to declare February 7 as National Ìwà (Character) Day to foster national consciousness around morals, ethics, and good governance—a move he said could significantly reduce corruption and insecurity in Nigeria.

In his goodwill message, Asiwaju Segun Nelson, National Organising Secretary of the Coalition, encouraged youths to emulate the Alaafin’s exemplary leadership and moral conduct. Additional messages were delivered by Comrade Mayowa Oladipupo Oyewole, Students’ Union Government President of the Federal School of Surveying, and Comrade Taiwo Sofiya Lateef, National Vice President of the Association of Female Comrades, both of whom lauded the event organizers and pledged student support for character and cultural initiatives.

Key speakers at the summit included Chief Surveyor Dupe Nihinlola Olayinka Dosumu, Rector of the Federal School of Surveying, Dr. (Pharm.) Kayode Nelson, CEO of Empire Healthcare Limited, Mr. Jubril Arogundade of Lagos, and Asiwaju Rotimi Ajanaku. They urged youths to embody Omoluabi values, stressing that ethical leadership is rooted in service, credibility, and accountability. Dr. Nelson noted that while competence may open doors, character sustains leadership.

Cultural performances by the Sango Cultural Troupe of Ijebu Ode enriched the programme, celebrating Yoruba heritage through music, dance, and traditional displays. Abdulhakeem Adeleke, Secretary of the Coalition, said the event reaffirmed culture as a vital tool for education and nation-building.

Awards and Recognitions
The Coalition conferred its highest honour on the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba (Engr.) Abimbola Akeem Owoade, awarding him the Royal Grand Patron & Yoruba Youth Development Award. Other recognitions included:

• Chief Surveyor Dupe Nihinlola Olayinka Dosumu – Grand Matron of Yoruba Youth
• Dr. (Pharm.) Kayode Nelson – Ogidi Omoluabi of Yoruba Youth
• Asiwaju Rotimi Ajanaku – Ogidi Omoluabi of Yoruba Youth Leaders
• Mr. Jubril Arogundade – Ambassador of Yoruba Youth & Ogidi Omoluabi Pataki

Special appreciation was extended to Reverend Dr. Kolade Dele, Personal Assistant to the Alaafin, for his coordination efforts, as well as to all security agencies and the management of the Federal School of Surveying, Oyo, for ensuring a peaceful and successful event.

The 2026 Ìwà Day celebration underscores the critical role of character and cultural values in shaping responsible leaders and fostering national development.

SIGNED
Abdulhakeem Adeleke
Secretary, Coalition of Yoruba Youth Leaders Forum
Official Reporter, Ìwà Day Celebration

Prof. Prince Hassan Tolani
President, Coalition of Yoruba Youth Leaders Forum