YORUBA YOUTH SUMMIT 2026: YYC ENGAGES OONI AHEAD OF LANDMARK OCTOBER 15 SUMMIT

A delegation of the Yoruba Youth Council (YYC) has paid a strategic courtesy visit to the Palace of the Ooni of Ife as part of preparations for the forthcoming Yoruba Youth Summit 2026, scheduled to hold on 15th October 2026 at Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Ibadan, Oyo State.

According to a statement issued by the Council’s Osun State Public Relations Officer, Omoluabi Joseph Oyelami, the visit formed part of the Council’s strategic engagements ahead of the summit, which is expected to bring together Yoruba youths, traditional institutions, professionals, stakeholders and representatives of youth organisations from within and outside Nigeria.

The delegation was led by the President of the Yoruba Youth Council, Mogaji Alawode Rahmon Akintunde, who headed the team to the Palace of Oduduwa in Ile-Ife for discussions on the forthcoming summit and the broader objectives of the Council.

Other members of the delegation included Omoluabi Qazeem Olatech, National Financial Secretary; Princess Adegbaju Monsurat, National Welfare Director; Omoluabi Oladimeji Ibrahim, Chairman, Oyo State Council; Omoluabi Joseph Oyelami, Osun State Public Relations Officer; and Omoluabi Olajide Olayode, Member, Oyo State Council.

During the visit, the delegation discussed the forthcoming summit and the importance of strengthening collaboration between Yoruba youths and traditional institutions in promoting unity, cultural values, responsible leadership and sustainable youth development.

The Yoruba Youth Summit 2026 is expected to provide a platform for constructive conversations around youth development, cultural preservation, leadership, education, economic empowerment, unity and the future of the Yoruba people.

The visit also underscored the Council’s recognition of the important role of traditional institutions in preserving Yoruba heritage, promoting unity and providing guidance and inspiration to younger generations.

Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Palace, the Secretary to the Palace of Oduduwa in Ile-Ife, Chief Salami Idowu, commended the leadership of the Yoruba Youth Council, particularly its President, Mogaji Alawode Rahmon Akintunde, for his efforts towards bringing sons and daughters of Oduduwa together in unity and common purpose.

Chief Salami expressed optimism that the purpose of the courtesy visit would be achieved, describing the Council’s commitment to working hand in hand with the Ooni in promoting and preserving Yoruba heritage as commendable.

Responding, the YYC President, Mogaji Alawode Rahmon Akintunde, described the Arole Oduduwa, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, as a father to all, particularly in recognition of his sustained efforts towards promoting, protecting and preserving Yoruba heritage and cultural identity.

Mogaji Akintunde assured the Ooni of the Council’s continued support for initiatives aimed at promoting dignity, unity and pride among the Yoruba people.

He further stated that the Council would continue to collaborate with traditional institutions and other relevant stakeholders to advance the interests of Yoruba youths, strengthen their participation in development and promote the cultural identity of the Yoruba race.

The YYC leadership also expressed its determination to ensure that the Yoruba Youth Summit 2026 achieves its objectives and provides a meaningful platform for young people to exchange ideas, identify opportunities and develop practical solutions to challenges confronting the younger generation.

The summit is expected to attract participants from Yoruba-speaking communities across Nigeria and beyond, alongside representatives of youth organisations, traditional institutions, government agencies, development partners and other relevant stakeholders.

The Yoruba Youth Council reaffirmed its commitment to promoting unity, cultural identity, responsible leadership and meaningful youth participation in matters affecting the development and future of the Yoruba people.

The strategic courtesy visit to the Palace of the Ooni of Ife therefore marks another significant milestone in the Council’s preparations for what is expected to be a major gathering of Yoruba youths on 15th October 2026 in Ibadan.