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The
traditional ruler of a community in Benin Republic (Ketu), Alao
Alade-Ife, has said that Yoruba speakers in the Republic have concluded
arrangement to sign Memorandum of Understanding {MOU} with the
government to pave way for more recognition of their culture,

Mr. Alade-Ife, who
informed journalists about this development during a visit to him, led
by Albert Ashipa, the Chairman of Imeko-Afon Local Government area of
Ogun State, also said a proposal to include Yoruba language in the
school curricula had been forwarded to the appropriate authority of the
French speaking country. He expresses optimism that, the proposal will
scale through.

‘We have equally
made a meaningful move to ensure that Yoruba language henceforth has a
place in the school’s time table and curricula, and so far we are
optimistic on this,” he said.

The monarch, who
went down memory lane, said the Yorubas were the original settlers in
the country, before the French colonization of the territory and
subsequent demarcation turned his people into a minority in the country.

“The first son of
Oduduwa, who is Alaketu, founded Ketu, Popo and Safe towns, all which
are now situated in Benin Republic,” Mr. Alade-Ife said.

“Even with the development, the Yoruba would not sell their birthright by forgetting their culture and origin.”

Due recognition

The traditional
ruler added that he was at the forefront of a campaign for the
recognition of the Yoruba nation in Benin Republic.

“There is a need to give us our proper and right recognition, we are
the founder of major towns in the country before the colonization,’ he
said. ‘But it is only the land that is demarcated. Our origin, culture
and rightful place in the country cannot be demarcated’ The Royal
father, who said the Federation of Yoruba would be launched in the
country between 22 and 23 of May, 2010, said the government had
acknowledged the calling for a memorandum of understanding between it
and the Yoruba.