— Advocate for Yoruba language preservation in Lagos
By Ayinde Adeleke
Nigerian human rights activist and lawyer, Reno Omokri, has taken to Twitter to advocate for the preservation of the Yoruba language and culture in Lagos State.
Omokri emphasized the importance of promoting the indigenous language and culture of Lagos, encouraging the state government to take proactive steps to support its usage.
In a series of tweets, Omokri stressed that Lagos State should prioritize the preservation of its indigenous language and culture.
He argued that the state’s cultural heritage is an integral part of its identity and should be respected by all residents, regardless of their ethnic background.
“Not only should Lukumi Yoruba be taught exclusively in Lagos State-owned public schools, but I also call on the Lagos State Government to pass an edict for Lukumi to be used side-by-side with English in all government offices in Lagos,” Omokri tweeted.
He further suggested that the Lagos State Government (LASG) should encourage the use of Lukumi in public places, without making it mandatory.
Omokri also proposed that businesses in Lagos should be incentivized to display signs in both English and Lukumi, and that local businesses should be motivated to employ Lukumi speakers to facilitate communication with indigenous residents who do not speak English.
Omokri emphasized that Lukumi was spoken in the geographical location now known as Lagos State over a thousand years before Nigeria’s creation.
He stressed that anyone relocating to Lagos should respect the state’s indigenous language and culture.
“I love all Nigerians without discrimination, and every citizen of our great country is entitled to live in Lagos. However, if you feel that Lagos State preserving her indigenous language and culture is not to your liking, then there are 35 other states and the Federal Capital Territory that you can relocate to,” Omokri stated.
He concluded by emphasizing that preserving Lagos’ indigenous language and culture is not about discrimination, but rather about respecting the state’s heritage.
“You cannot leave your state, relocate to Lagos, and expect Lagos to change and become like your state. That is not diversity. That is an invasion,” Omokri warned.
