Engr. Abduljelyl Adekunle Karheem, the CEO of Afia Group and the Mogaji of Adanla Compound, Ibadan, has called for prioritisation of Yoruba culture and tradition.
He made the call in London, United Kingdom, during the 2025 Ibadan Cultural Festival, an annual event organised by the Ibadan Think Tank Group.
The Ibadan Think Tank Group is a social-cultural group comprising three reputable clubs: Ibadanland Development Association, Oluyole Diamond Sisters, and Oluyole Progressive Union, all affiliated with the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII).
Adanla, a special guest of the occasion, noted that the rich Yoruba culture could only be preserved by passing down knowledge to the next generation through language, traditions, and cultural practices.
He said culture is a way of life as enshrined in the dictates of Yoruba core values.
While commending the organisers of the colourful event for their efforts in promoting Yoruba culture, Adanla, one of the initiators of the Ibadan Think Tank Group, donated £5,000 to support the group.
In his short speech, Adanla said, “It’s not only a must for us to promote and preserve the rich Yoruba heritage and culture, but we should also encourage our children to embrace it. That is our identity.”
Adanla, who doubles as the Turaki Adinni of Oyo State, also enjoined the people of the state, particularly the Ibadan indigenes, to continue supporting Governor Seyi Makinde’s government.
“I also want to implore you all not to relent in your unflinching support for the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration. Because without his encouragement towards Ibadan business owners like myself, I may not be able to give you 5000 pounds,” says Mogaji Adanla.
Earlier in his remarks, Dr Oriyomi Hamzat, CEO, Agidigbo FM, Ibadan, commended Adanla’s commitment and love for Ibadanland.
He said, “Why I love Mogaji Adanla so much is that when it comes to Ibadan matters, he will stop being your friend once you start taking Ibadan for granted, no matter how close you are to him.”
