THE passionate love for the culture and tradition of Yoruba land and the pleasant disposition being displayed to Yoruba indigenes by the Governor of Bauchi State, Mallam Isa Yuguda, has earned him a title from the royal stead of the Aalafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111.
The Royal Ambassador to the Aalafin of Oyo, Aare Ayandotun Ayanlakin, disclosed this to TTM during an exclusive chat in Ibadan , Oyo State.
Are Ayanlakin revealed that “His Royal Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Alaafin of Oyo has decided in his ancestral wisdom and approval to bestow the title of Obasayero of Oyo Empire on the highly cerebral, responsible and responsive governor of Bauchi, Mallam Yuguda, for his love and passion for the Yoruba culture and his efforts at ensuring cultural integration between the Yoruba of the South – West and the Fulani of the North.”
He pointed out that “ Kabiyesi Adeyemi Alaafin of Oyo has found in Governor Yuguda, a burning passion for the continued vibrancy of the Youruba culture which he admires so much and has through deeds and acts, embraced and espoused.’’
Aare Ayanlakin revealed that “Apart from the fact that Governor Yuguda married a Yoruba woman of virtue, he has engaged a sizeable number of Yoruba indigenes at personal and official capacities and is also one of the few Hausa-Fualnis who are committed members of the Yoruba Club.”
He said that “As a royal ambassador of the palace of Alaafin, part of my functions and duties is to carry out Kabiyesi Adeyemi’s directives by looking for those non-Yorubas who are not only passionate about the Oyo empire, but are doing everything within their capacity to advance the cause of the race and Governor Yuguda happened to be one who has scaled the benchmark set by the Alaafin.”
Aare Ayanlakin, who is the chairman, Logistics for the ceremony, revealed that “The date of the conferment is being kept secret, but I am assuring you that the month of November 2013 will definitely leave a day for the celebration. We are set for the programme, it’s a big event. About 400 traditional rulers from Yoruba-speaking states are expected to grace the occasion. We are also expecting Emirs from the North. The occasion will also feature a joint blessing for Dr Yuguda for his love for Yoruba land, success in his administration and attainment of greater height in life.’’
