A custodian of Yoruba culture and a broadcast journalist, Kikelomo Ogunsina-Obabi, has condemned the Federal Government’s decision to abolish the use of indigenous languages as mediums of instruction in Nigerian schools, describing the policy reversal as a setback to the nation’s educational and cultural development.
Ogunsina-Obabi, popularly known as Torera, stated this while delivering the annual lecture at the ASA Day celebration, tagged Ayajo Asa, held on November 22, 2025, in Abeokuta.
The Federal Government had recently announced that English would become the sole language of instruction from pre-primary to tertiary level, scrapping the long-standing language policy that encouraged mother-tongue education in early schooling.
Reacting to the development, the guest lecturer insisted that indigenous languages remain a “blessing and not a curse” to Nigeria’s educational system.
She said, “I am proud of the Yoruba language, and I believe that our indigenous languages enrich, not damage, the learning process in all regions of Nigeria. Omo to bá gbọ èdè abínibí rẹ dáadáa máa ṣe dáadáa nínú èdè míràn (A child who understands his it her mother tongue well will perform well in other languages).”
Ogunsina-Obabi, whose lecture focused on “The Difference Between Religion and Culture,” also urged Nigerians to respect one another’s faith and cultural values to promote peaceful coexistence.
The event took a celebratory tone when she was installed as the Yeye Gbasaniyi of Egbe Ara, a recognition of her contributions to cultural preservation and promotion.
The annual cultural gathering attracted several dignitaries including: Oloye Olasunkanmi Oyabunmi, Convener and Coordinator ; Oloye Basiri Adeyemi, Baale of Eruku ; Oloye Duda Adegboyega, Baale of Idi-Ori ; Oloye Ifatoki Ifaseyitan, Apinni of Gbagura and Odofon of Ilu Ika ;Oloye Kasim Akintomo, Baale of Tolato and ; Alaga Oloye Kayode Akintomo, Agbakin Oosi of Owu, Abeokuta
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the annual ASA Day celebration continues to serve as a platform for cultural revival, advocacy, and the promotion of indigenous identity among the Yoruba people.
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