Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has reiterated the urgent need to protect Africa’s rich cultural heritage, emphasizing its authenticity and importance in preserving the continent’s identity.
Obasanjo made this statement during a luncheon held to celebrate the 50th birthday of renowned female drummer, Aralola Olamuyiwa, at the Green Legacy section of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.
Cultural Identity Under Threat
The former president lamented the relegation of African traditions in favor of Western culture. He highlighted the neglect of vital aspects of African heritage, such as traditional food, language, and attire.
He said, “Culture is the totality of who we are. Unfortunately, we have relegated some of our culture to the background—our food, our language, our dress, and so on. Yoruba, for example, is not a vernacular; it is authentic, and we must learn to celebrate it as such.”
Obasanjo also called for respect toward indigenous African spiritual traditions, stating, “Whoever says Ifa Orunmila is nothing must be a bloody fool because Orunmila existed before the advent of Christianity or Islam.”
Honoring Ara’s Legacy
Obasanjo praised Aralola Olamuyiwa, also known as Ara, for her contributions to sustaining African culture, particularly through her mastery of traditional drumming.
He noted that her work has set a positive example and encouraged her to continue promoting the continent’s heritage.
“We now have a woman who can beat the drum better than men. She is helping sustain our cultural heritage, and I decided to celebrate her to encourage her further,” he said.
Ara’s Gratitude and Reflection
In her response, Ara expressed deep gratitude for the honor bestowed upon her by the former president.
The Ondo State-born drummer revealed that the celebration was particularly significant, given her survival from a life-threatening ailment last year.
“I thought I wouldn’t live to celebrate 50 years, but God preserved me,” she said. Ara credited divine support for her continued success on the global stage despite numerous challenges.
As Africa continues to grapple with the influence of globalization, Obasanjo’s call serves as a reminder of the need to safeguard the continent’s identity by celebrating and preserving its cultural values.
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