The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, in conjunction with Brazilian Government is set to unveil an Oduduwa Mobile Library on Sept. 7, to boost cultural awareness in the country.
Princess Ronke Ademiluyi, Cultural Ambassador, House of Oduduwa Foundation made the disclosure in Lagos, saying the library would attract youths and educate them about the culture.
According to her, the museum is an initiative from the Ọọ̀ni of Ifẹ̀, in conjunction with governments of Brazil, Cuba, and over 20 other countries. She added that the countries involved in the project would have the artifacts moved around to their respective countries.
While speaking to NAN, the cultural ambassador said the project would impact positively on the economic, political, and socio-cultural sectors of the country. She said the historic unveiling is set for September 7, 2019, at the Brazillian embassy in Lagos.
“The whole event will last 60 days, as cultural materials of African origin will be strategically moved from place to place within Lagos and exhibited for all to see.
“The event that is scheduled to coincide with the 197th Independence Anniversary of Brazil of Sept. 7, 1822,” she said.
“Brazil is the first country to collaborate with the House of Odùduwà on the promotion of African Heritage due to her acceptance of Yoruba people and culture.
“It is noteworthy to mention that Brazil had gone as far as adopting Yorùbá language as one of it’s official language in the country,” she added.
She further said the exhibition ranges from antiquities, art recreations of divinities, and treasures of ancestors of the Odùduwà people.
“The cultural items combine to reinforce the belief that, indeed, humanity originated from Ilé-Ifẹ̀, the acclaimed origin of the Odùduwà people located in South Western part of Nigeria,” Ademiluyi said.
Speaking on the history of the Oduduwa people, She said researches had shown that the Odùduwà people started the tradition of arts in casting, sculpturing, carving, and molding.
“Remains of ancestors of the Odùduwà race dating back to over 13,000 years ago have also been discovered inside Ihò Eléérú (ashes cave) at Ìsàrun near Ìgbàrà-Òkè in Ondó State, through valid academic research.
(NAN/ Vanguard)