By Ghazali Ibrahim 
On Wednesday, May 14, 2025, the speaker, Oyo State House of assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin who previously came under fire for alleged ethnic bias has presided over a full legislative session conducted entirely in Yoruba language.
The plenary session, tagged Yoruba Ponbele, was held as part of efforts to promote indigenous language and cultural identity in the state.
The lawmaker, who proudly identifies as a son of the Yoruba soil, co-sponsored the 2025 Yoruba Language Preservation and Promotion Bill, which aims to make the teaching and speaking of Yoruba compulsory in both private and public schools across Oyo State.
Speaking during the session, he emphasized that the Yoruba language is more than a means of communication.
“It is a vessel of wisdom, history, and collective identity and we must ensure its survival for generations to come,” he said.
Ogundoyin’s strong cultural stance comes months after he faced widespread criticism for comments many interpreted as favoring the Igbo community over the Yoruba, sparking backlash from cultural groups and political opponents.
Observers say the latest move appears aimed at reasserting his commitment to Yoruba heritage and healing political wounds.
In addition to the language bill, the House moved a motion urging the state government to formally recognize and honor legendary Yoruba actor, Chief Lere Paimo, popularly known as Eda Onile Ola, for his immense contributions to Yoruba theatre, storytelling, and the preservation of moral values through performance art.
The House also deliberated on rising insecurity in parts of the state, particularly the growing spate of kidnappings in Oyo town and surrounding communities.
Lawmakers called on the Executive arm of government to urgently bolster security efforts to ensure the safety of lives and property.
“Our people deserve peace and protection, and we are committed to ensuring policies that safeguard them,” Ogundoyin added.
The session has been widely praised as a cultural milestone and a bold step in preserving Yoruba identity in an increasingly globalized society.
