By Senator Akeem Adeleke
In a monumental show of cultural pride and unwavering support for the future of Yorubaland, the President of the Coalition of Yoruba Youth Leaders Forum, Dr. Hassan Tolani, led an esteemed delegation of the forum to the historic palace of the Alaafin of Oyo. This royal visit was marked by deep reverence and a shared commitment to the values that define Yoruba heritage.
His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Engr. Akeem Abimbola Owoade Elewu Etu I, the revered Alaafin of Oyo and Royal Grand Patron of our Coalition, graciously received the delegation and, in a heartwarming gesture of fatherly love, officially endorsed “Iwa Day” as an annual celebration to be hosted within the sacred walls of his palace every October 1st.
Iwa Day, rooted in timeless Yoruba ethos, is a day dedicated to honouring and celebrating the essence of Iwa (character) — the noble attributes of respect, integrity, humility, resilience, kindness, and communal responsibility that every Yoruba youth is called to embody. It is a day that reminds us all that “Iwa l'ewa” — character is beauty.
This endorsement is more than ceremonial; it is a royal affirmation of hope, a testament to the enduring greatness of Yoruba youth, and a call to excellence, unity, and purpose.
As we march into the future, may Iwa Day serve as a sacred mirror through which our young men and women continually reflect on their values and contributions to society.
With heartfelt gratitude to His Majesty, we invite all sons and daughters of Oduduwa, at home and abroad, to rally behind this noble cause — for in nurturing good character, we build a better Yoruba nation.