Ifon-Osun Monarch Warns Against Cultural Decline at ACLAS Communication Summit

 

Abdullahi Oladigbolu

Ifon-Osun monarch on Wednesday issued a strong warning about the erosion of indigenous culture among Nigerian youths at the 2025 ACLAS Communication Summit.

Delivering the message on behalf of His Royal Majesty, Oba Akinyooye, the 3rd Aremo Obatala, Olu Ifon of Ifon-Osun, Pastor Shola Akande said cultural practices within Yoruba communities are “rapidly disappearing,” citing declining respect for traditional greetings and diminishing regard for royal authority.

He noted that this has spilled over into religious domains and termed it as going against long-held values by the culture. Akande also commented on the diminishing usage of indigenous languages, indicating that Nigeria faces a prospect in which foreigners end up teaching African languages to Nigerian kids.

He conveyed the monarch’s greetings to the university management and prayed for the progress of the students and the Faculty of Arts.

The summit, themed “Shaping Mindset and Culture,” was declared open by the Head of the Department of Communication and Language Arts, Dr. Bisi Olawuyi. He noted that the programme was organised to expose students to current industry issues.

The first keynote speaker, Mrs. Adeola Olutomiwa Odesanya, advised students to engage digital media purposefully rather than pursuing trends. The second keynote speaker, Mr. Mobolaji Oladepo, emphasised entrepreneurship and urged students to focus on creating opportunities for themselves.

A panel session followed, featuring industry professionals and alumni who discussed digital media’s influence on values and behaviour.

The event ended with appreciation from Dr. Francis to invited guests and students from The Polytechnic Ibadan, Ajayi Crowther University, and Lead City University.