Oyo Assembly takes step to preserve Yoruba language, passes bill for compulsory teaching in schools

May 15, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

The Oyo State House of Assembly, led by Speaker RT. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, has taken a significant step towards preserving the Yoruba language and culture.

During a plenary session conducted entirely in Yoruba language, tagged “Yoruba Ponbele”, Ogundoyin co-sponsored the 2025 Yoruba Language Preservation and Promotion Bill.

This bill aims to make Yoruba language teaching and speaking compulsory in all private and public schools across Oyo State.

Ogundoyin emphasized the importance of the Yoruba language, stating, “Our language is not just a means of communication; it is a vessel of wisdom, history, and collective identity—and we must ensure its survival for generations to come.”

This move is similar to the Lagos State Yoruba Language Preservation and Promotion Law signed in 2018, which made Yoruba language teaching compulsory in schools.

The assembly also recognized the contributions of legendary Yoruba actor, Chief Lere Paimo (Eda Onile Ola), through a motion calling on the State Government to honor him for his tremendous contributions to Yoruba theatre, storytelling, and cultural preservation.

Ogundoyin noted, “Chief Lere Paimo, alongside other icons, have ensured that our traditions and moral values remain alive through performance arts, and it is time we celebrate their impacts.”

The assembly addressed a pressing security concern by calling on the Executive arm of Government to strengthen security in Oyo town and other communities to combat the rising waves of kidnapping for ransom.

Ogundoyin added, “Our people deserve peace and protection, and we are committed to ensuring policies that safeguard lives and property across the state.”