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CBCIU/PARTNERS HOST INTERNATIONAL COLLOQUIUM IN HONOUR OF PRINCE (DR.) OYIN ADEJOBI

On Wednesday, 18 December, 2024, the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU), in partnership with the Department of Theatre Arts, Osun State University, Osogbo and Redeemer’s University, Ede, organised an International Colloquium to celebrate the life, legacy, and profound influence of the iconic theatre arts practitioner, Prince (Dr.) Oyin Adejobi. The event honoured a man whose artistic genius sparked cultural awareness and transformed the landscape of Yoruba theatre in Nigeria.

In his Welcome Address, Director of the CBCIU, Professor Siyan Oyeweso, highlighted that Oyin Adejobi was more than an actor, a visionary, cultural custodian and a storyteller whose work transcended Nigeria’s borders, leaving a lasting imprint on the global stage.

“Through his celebrated plays such as Orogun Adedigba and Kootu Ashipa, Adejobi brought Yoruba folklore, ethics, and worldview to life, illustrating the complexities of traditional values and the human experience. His seamless blending of entertainment with moral lessons resonated deeply with audiences, ranging from grassroots communities, academic to the elites,” Oyeweso noted.

The Director further emphasized that Adejobi’s works were among the pioneering voices that elevated African theatre, inspiring many to explore the richness of African oral traditions and performance arts.

“His emphasis on communal values, social justice, and personal integrity remains highly relevant in today’s world, where the interplay of tradition and modernity continues to evolve.”

The Chairman of the event, Chief Fakayode Faniyi, the Agbongbon Awo of Osogbo, reflected on the impact of Adejobi’s film, Kootu Ashipa and the resonant song “Olorun maje ki ari ejo, ati ebi, ati are, Olorun maje ki ari ejo.” He also praised Adejobi’s collaboration with similar playwright, Chief Duro Ladipo, in promoting the cultural heritage of Osogbo through their artistic talents.

The Lead Speaker, Professor Gbemisola Adeoti of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, described Adejobi’s work as a form of cultural resistance. He emphasized that the story of Nollywood and African Theatre cannot be fully told without acknowledging the contributions of Prince Oyin Adejobi. Professor Adeoti elaborated on the significant role Adejobi’s songs and lyrics played in enhancing the emotional and cultural depth of his films.

The colloquium also featured five academic lectures by distinguished scholars, including Dr. Azeez Akinwumi Sesan, Head of the Department of Theatre Arts, Osun State University, Osogbo; Dr. Yinka Olarinmoye of Lagos State University, Ojo; Dr. Rantinmi Julius Adeoye, Head of the Department of Theatre Arts, Redeemer’s University, Ede; Mr. Fatai Adekunle, former Curator of National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Osogbo; and Dr. Yemi Atanda of the Department of Theatre Arts, Osun State University, Osogbo.

Goodwill messages were delivered by members of the late Prince Oyin Adejobi’s family, including Dr. Adeleke, Librarian of Redeemer’s University, Ede; Barrister Matthew Omolade of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede; and Dr. Christopher Oyewo of the Department of Theatre Arts, Osun State University, Osogbo.

The colloquium was graced by prominent figures such as Mrs. Yemisi Adejobi, wife of late Prince Oyin Adejobi; Princess Adejoke Oyin-Adejobi, his daughter; Mr. Bola Oyin-Adejob, his son; Aramide Ogunrinde, his maternal grandchild; Mrs. Toyosi Adesanya; Professor Ahmed Yerima, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Ede; Chief Ayanda Fadara Clarke; and Mrs. Shola Duro-Ladipo. Also present were Hon. (Comrade) Abodunrin, Education Secretary of Osogbo Local Education Authority; Mr. M.A.O. Aluko, Local Inspector of Education; staff members of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Osun State; members of the New Sacred Art of Osogbo founded by the late Susanne Wenger; Mr. Samuel Adodo of the Nigerian Art Gallery; and Stephen Oni, among others.

The event was also attended virtually, including notable figures such as Professor Duro Oni, Professor Gbenga Fasiku, Professor Remi Ajibewa, Yinka Diamond, Omotunde Koleoso, and Afolorunso Dairo, among others. Students from the Department of Theatre Arts, Redeemer’s University, Ede and Osun State University, Osogbo, as well as students from Secondary schools in Osogbo such as Moslem Grammar School, AUD School, CAC Isale-Ijebu and Salvation Army School, were also in attendance

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You are here: Home  Resources  Events  Donald Trump Presidency: Implications for Africa Diaspora

Donald Trump Presidency: Implications for Africa, African Diaspora and World Peace

On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo, in partnership with the Department of Political Science, Fountain University, Osogbo, organised a webinar on the Donald Trump Presidency.  

The webinar welcomed presentations by renowned international scholars whose topics were woven around the theme: Donald Trump Presidency: Implications for Africa, African Diaspora and World Peace. Some of the scholars who read papers at the webinar include Prof. Femi Mimiko, a Professor of Comparative Economy and International Relations in the Department of Political Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Dr. Dapo Thomas of the Department of History and International Studies, Lagos State University, Ojo and Dr. A.F. Raji of the Department of Political Science, Fountain University, Osogbo.

Others include Dr. Temitope Fagunwa of the Department of History and International Studies, Osun State University, Osogbo, Mr. Mojeed Animashaun of the Department of Political Science, Fountain University, Osogbo and Omooba Wale Olayemi, a veteran journalist.

Physically present at the event were the Head of Political Science, Fountain University, Osogbo, Dr. Olatunji; pioneer coordinator of the Department of History and International Studies, Fountain University, Osogbo, Mrs. Suliyat Mohammad; staff and students of the Departments of Political Science and History & International Studies, Fountain University, Osogbo; staff of the National Gallery of Arts lead by Mr. Adodo Sunday, staff of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Osogbo; participants who joined virtually such as Dr. Monsuru Muritala, Dr. Rotimi Alaba Oti, Funmi Ogundare, Adodo Adekunle, Alhaji Rafiu Ayanloye, Adeyemi Emmanuel, Mariam Oluwafisayomi Bello, Felix Ayoola, Layeni Hakeem, Olakunle Makinde, Olawale Yemisi, Oyeleye Oyewale, Stephen Bolaji among others. The webinar was held to identify the challenges and impact of Donald Trump’s second presidency on the African continent, the African diaspora and also global peace. One key recommendation and take away from the webinar is that Africa should begin to look inwards and identify internal solutions to it’s myriad of challenges

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You are here: Home  Resources  Events  2024 Sango Festival in Celebrating Duro Ladipo

2024 SANGO FESTIVAL IN CELEBRATING DURO LADIPO IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OYO STATE GOVERNMENT

On August 18, 2024, the CBCIU partnered with Oyo State Government to hold a symposium to honor, the late theatre icon, Duro Ladipo. The celebration was in recognition of his contributions to the portrayal of Sango through the arts.

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You are here: Home  Resources  Events  CBCIU to Celebrate Professor Emeritus Wole Soyinka @ 90

CBCIU Celebrate Professor Emeritus Wole Soyinka @ 90

On July 18, 2024, the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding celebrate Professor Emeritus Wole Soyinka in recognition of his role as the first in sub-saharan African to win Nobel Prize in Literature. The Centre also recognizes his giant strides as a Nigerian playwright, novelist, poet and essayist in English Language. The theme of the International Colloquium is Wole Soyinka: Culture, Social Activism and Social Justice. The Speakers at the event are Prof. Tunji Azeez from Lagos State University; Prof. Sunday Ododo FNAL; Prof. Olaoluwa Senayon, University of Ibadan; Prof. Sola Olorunyomi, University of Ibadan; Dr. Abiodun Olayiwola, Obafemi Awolowo University and Dr. Yusuf Abdulganiyu Aderemi, Fountain University.

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You are here: Home  Resources  Events  CBCIU to Celebrate Professor Emeritus Wole Soyinka @ 90

CBCIU to Celebrate Professor Emeritus Wole Soyinka @ 90

The Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding is celebrating Professor Wole Soyinka in recognition of his role as the first in sub-saharan African to win the prize of Nobel Prize in Literature.  The Centre also recognizes his giant strides as a Nigerian playwright, novelist, poet and essayist in English Language.

The International Colloquium is scheduled to hold as follows:

Date: Thursday, July 18, 2024

Time: 11:00a.m.

Venue: Ulli Beier Hall, Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, behind Osun State Secretariat, along CBN/NTA Axis, Osogbo, Osun State

Zoom link:

https://us05web.zoom.us/j/8408620236?pwd=oeBSodqjB5iavaxMY656F8qCwe5QQW.1&omn=85973542397

You are here: Home  Resources  Events  CBCIU CELEBRATES 2024 BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Communique at the end of the 2024 Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding Black History MONTH

01 March, 2024

Every February, Black History Month (BHM) is celebrated to reflect on the history, stories, and contributions of Blacks across the globe and in different fields. On 27^th February 2024, the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU), Osun State, observed the 2024 Black History Month (BHM) titled “The Art of Blackness” in accordance with the global theme that focuses on “African Americans and the Arts.”

The Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding theme “Art of Blackness” focused on the diverse aspect of Art by focusing on African Visual Arts, Films and Music, which are essential to blacks identity across various epochs of African history as we reflect on the legacies and achievement of generations of the past, and the events of the presents. As the CBCIU community gathers to commemorate Black History Month, The CBCIU-BHM panel also had in attendance Dr. Oluwafunminiyi Raheem (Osun State University, Osogbo), Olawale Yemisi (University of Ilorin, Kwara State) Dr. Mojeed Animashaun (Fountain University, Osogbo), and Dr. Charles Omotayo (Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo).

Dr. Oluwafunminiyi W. Raheem

Dr. Charles Omotayo

Dr. Mojeed Animashaun

Yemisi Olawale

The lecture had in attendance the 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫, 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐫𝐭, 𝐌𝐫. 𝐀𝐝𝐨𝐝𝐨 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐫𝐭, 𝐎𝐬𝐨𝐠𝐛𝐨; 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐲𝐢 𝐅𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐝𝐞, 𝐀𝐠𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐛𝐨 𝐀𝐰𝐨 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐬𝐨𝐠𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝; 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐌𝐫𝐬. 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐲𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐲𝐢; 𝐌𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐢 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐤𝐮𝐧𝐥𝐞, 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫, 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐮𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐮𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬; 𝐌𝐫. 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐎𝐧𝐢; 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐲, 𝐎𝐬𝐮𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐎𝐬𝐨𝐠𝐛𝐨, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬.

The lecture under the auspices of the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Chief Olagunsoye and the Executive Director of CBCIU, Professor Siyan Oyeweso.

At the end of the lecture, the following observations were made at the lecture:

1. African visual arts cover a rich and diverse range of traditions, styles, and techniques that diverge across different regions and cultures of Africa
2. Although globalisation has fostered greater appreciation and understanding of black cultural contributions, it has sparked deeper conversations about cultural appropriation and representation.
3. Films are an essential aspect of African Art that has continued to contribute deeper meaning to the identity of Africa.
4. African films must focus on reengineering their content and approach, presenting Africa’s history and identity in global space as a force to reckon with. 
5. African governmental and non-governmental institutions in the field of Art must focus on investing in African Artists through the provision of sustainable and accessible finance, the provision of infrastructure and platforms for international engagements and collaborations.
6. African music remains a powerful representation of the Blacks’ identity across various epochs. Hence, appropriate attention to the music field will situate African identity and contributions to global affairs

At the end of the lecture, the following reductions were made:

• The delegate led by 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐲𝐢 𝐅𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐝𝐞, 𝐀𝐠𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐛𝐨 𝐀𝐰𝐨 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐬𝐨𝐠𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 reiterate the importance of films, Africa literature, poem, oral traditions as the basis of reconstructing the identity of Africans and Blacks globally
• The delegate led 𝐌𝐫. 𝐀𝐝𝐨𝐝𝐨 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 also emphasised the need for a change in the current narrative of the African music industry where content that promotes wisdom, knowledge and the African culture of Omoluabi are prioritised.
• The Executive director of CBCIU also pledged its readiness to provide elders in African history and culture the opportunity to document important aspects of African identities fading away due to the effect of globalisation.

The CBCIU-BHM ended with closing remarks and a vote of thanks from the CBCIU Executive Director, Professor Siyan Oyeweso.

You are here: Home  Resources  Events  CBCIU CELEBRATES 2024 BLACK HISTORY MONTH

CBCIU CELEBRATES 2024 BLACK HISTORY MONTH

28 February, 2024

The Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU) today hosted the 2024 Black History Month (BHM) tagged The Art of Blackness in accordance with the global theme which focuses on “African Americans and the Arts.”

Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, Director, CBCIU during the delivery of his address

Chief Fakayode Faniyi during the delivery of his address as the Chairman of the Programme

The BHM welcomed four panelists in persons of Dr. Oluwafunminiyi W. Raheem (Osun State University), Dr. Mojeed Animashaun (Fountain University), Dr. Charles Omotayo (Adeyemi Federal University of Education) and Olawale Yemisi (University of Ilorin), who interrogated the place of visual arts, films, and music connected to black history, identity, and power relations with the Wider World.

Dr. Oluwafunminiyi W. Raheem

Dr. Charles Omotayo

Dr. Mojeed Animashaun

Yemisi Olawale

At the event were Curator, National Gallery of Art, Mr. Adodo Sunday and staff of the National Gallery of Art, Osogbo; Chief Faniyi Fakayode Agbongbo,Awo of Osogboland; Chief Mrs. Adedoyin Faniyi; Mr Fatai Adekunle, former Curator, National Commission for Museum and Monuments and staff of National Commission for Museum and Monuments; Omooba Wale Olayemi; Mr. Stephen Oni; students of the Department of Tourism and Department of Philosophy, Osun State University, Osogbo, and many others.

You are here: Home  Resources  Events  CBCIU CELEBRATES FIFTY YEARS OF GERMANY IN THE UNITED NATIONS

CBCIU CELEBRATES FIFTY YEARS OF GERMANY IN THE UNITED NATIONS

Theme: Fifty years of Germany’s involvement in the United Nations.

Date: Monday, 18 September, 2023

On Monday, 18 September, 2023, the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo, organised an International Colloquium to celebrate fifty years of Germany’s involvement in the United Nations.

The Anniversary Remark was delivered by the Consul General, Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Lagos, Weert Borner LL.M, while the Welcome Address was given by the Director of the Centre, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso

Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, Director, CBCIU during the delivery of his welcome address

Weert Borner, Consul General of Germany during the delivery of his welcome address

The event was heralded with several paper presentations by renowned international scholars whose topics were woven around the theme, Fifty Years of Germany in the United Nations. Some of the scholars who read papers at the Colloquium include Prof. Femi Mimiko, a Professor of Comparative Economy and International Relations in the Department of Political Science, Obafemi Awolowo University. He spoke on the topic, Beyond the Narrowing Confines of the UN: Rethinking Germany’s Role in a Changing Global Order; Prof. Olutayo Adesina, Professor of History, University of Ibadan, who spoke on the topic, The Permanent Mission of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United Nations and the Shaping of a Conflict-Free Africa Agenda: A Historical Conjuncture; and Prof. Aderemi Ajala, Professor of African/Medical Anthropology and Development Studies, Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Ibadan, who spoke on 50 Years of Germany’s Contributions to International Education in Nigeria.

Others include Dr. Muritala Monsuru of the Department of History and International Studies, University of Ibadan, on Germany and Refugees from the Arab World: Promoting Humanity and Integrating the Persecuted and Displaced; Dr. Dapo Thomas of the Department of History and International Studies, Lagos State University on Germany and the Price for Global Peace; and Dr. Oluwafunminiyi Raheem from the Osun State University who spoke on 50 Years of Strengthening the International Health Architecture: Examining Germany’s global vaccine initiative ACT-A in Africa.

You are here: Home  Resources  Events  Communique’ presented at the End of the 2023 Annual Osun Osogbo Festival

COMMUNIQUE’ PRESENTED AT THE END OF THE 2023 ANNUAL OSUN OSOGBO FESTIVAL

Theme: Osun Osogbo Festival: The Past in the Living Present

Date: August 12, 2023

The One-Day Annual Celebration of the Osun Osogbo Festival organized by the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding on the occasion of the 2023 Osun Osogbo Festival, celebrated on August 11, 2023. The convener of the celebration on the platform of the center was Professor Siyan Oyeweso, Professor of History and Executive Director of CBCIU. The program was held at the Ulli Beier Auditorium, a Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding. The annual celebration under this platform incorporates both academic discourses and cultural evidence that illustrates the essence of Osun Osogbo as a Yoruba cultural, religious, and global identity.

HRM Oba Oyekanmi, Alasipa of Asipa

At the celebration, local and international participants arrived at the CBCIU Ulli Beier Auditorium on August 12, 2023. The celebration commenced with an elaborate opening introduction by the chairman and moderator of the celebration. The celebration was graced by the royal fathers among which include Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji – Ataoja of Osogbo who was ably represented by Olori Kafayat Oyetunji and the Ataoja Traditional Chiefs in Council; Alasipa of Asipa – Oba Muftau Wale Oyehan Oyekanmi Ilufemiloye Fasina VIII; Agbongbon of Osogbo – Chief Fakayode Faniyi, Iyalode Osogbo – Alhaja Chief Awawu Asindemade. Other dignitaries present include Mrs. Ajayi M.O, General Manager, Osun Tourism Board; Mrs. Toyin Ajayi, Mr. Obadare Ayodeji from the Osun-Osogbo Grove; Mr. M.O. Bashir from the National Museum, Osogbo. The event was also graced by distinguished academics among which include Dr. Saheed Amusa from the Department of History, Obafemi Awolowo University, Dr. Mutiat Oladejo of the Department of History, University of Ibadan, Dr. Awoyera F.E., Bown University, Iwo, Dr. Sarafa Balogun and rs. Dara of the Department of History and International Studies, Osun State University, Dr. Raheem Oluwafunminiyi of the Department of Tourism, Osun State University; Osun Osogbo religious adherents, traditional religion and cultural experts. The event also witnessed the presence of the press which included Vanguard; Punch; The Nation; Amiloaded Media Hub and Insights Media

At this celebration, two academic lectures were presented: one by Dr. Saheed Amusa, the Head of Department, Department of History, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and one by Lena Naumann, a curator and Junior Fellow at the Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies. Dr. Saheed Amusa examines the Osun and the Contemporary Greatness of Osogbo: The Myth and the Realities, while Lena Naumann discusses the New Sacred Art Perspective on the works of Susanne Wenger and the Movement in the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Groove. The celebration also witnessed an address by Robin Campell titled “The Aduni Olorisha Trust and Aduni Osun Foundation: Committed to the Preservation and Performance of the Oso Osogbo Sacred Groove and New Sacred Art.”

Professor Siyan Oyeweso

All in all, the three academic papers presented interrogating the undiminishing role of Susanne Wenger in the emergence of the Osun Osogbo Groove. Susanne Wenger occupies a bridge that links the traditional and contemporary worship, religious identity, and cultural identity of Osun Osogbo. The discussion also established the realities and position of Osun in the contemporary global and national identities of Osogbo. At the end of the celebration, the following positions and conclusions were reached, among others:1. That Osun Osogbo festival is an embodiment of the totality of Yoruba cultural and religious identity and richness. 2. That the primacy of Osun Osogbo in traditional and contemporary religious celebration across Yoruba land is historically established, culturally supported, and entrenched in Yoruba’s identity Susanne Wenger enjoys primacy in Osun Osogbo history as religious, spiritual, and cultural links 3. That the greatest legacy that Susanne Wenger bequeathed to the entire world is the worship and identity of the Osun Osogbo festival. 4. That annual celebration of the Osun Osogbo festival, which featured the roles of traditional rulers, religious leaders, cultural experts, and the people, shows that Osun Osogbo and Yoruba cultural and religious identity remain sacrosanct. 5. That Susanne Wenger played key roles in the revitalization years of the Osun Osogbo Groove, and the Aduni Olorisha Trust-Aduni Osun Foundation has continued to play a significant role in upholding the legacy of Susanne Wenger and the identity of the Osun Osogbo Grove. 6. That the worship and annual celebration of Osun Osogbo must continue to experience significant growth, through which it will become a global tourist center. that the government at all levels and international organizations such as UNESCO must continue to protect the cultural significance and relevance of the Osun Osogbo festival. 7. That there is a greater task ahead for the academic and non-academic historians, archaeologists, sociologists, anthropologists, linguists, and other scholars for further research and investigations into the Osun Osogbo festival for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the important role of Osun Osogbo in Yoruba history, culture, and political power relations.

Some Practical Policy Recommendations After the annual academic-cultural celebration at the CBCIU, the following recommendations are made for improving the state and status of the Osun Osogbo festival: 1. Osun Osogbo religious and cultural identity should be incorporated into courses of study in the departments of tourism, Yoruba language, fine and applied art, and history at Nigerian universities. 2. There is a need for government at all levels to further expand the scope of commitment towards the Osun Osogbo Groove in terms of maintenance of the groove facilities and its sustainability towards global cultural best practices. 3. Cultural institutions, traditional rulers, cultural experts, and all worshipers of Osun Osogbo must unite to protect this cultural heritage. 4. We must aggregate and harness the rich cultural and religious values in the Osun Osogbo festival as tools for Yoruba’s cultural identity, growth, and development. 5. The Yoruba nation today needs a workable and practicable cultural policy rooted in our indigenous cultures and histories, which in turn will enhance contemporary and future understanding and shape relations around the Osun Osogbo festival and other indigenous religious institutions. 6. The Federal and State Ministries of Cultures, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC), the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU), and other relevant agencies should provide proper platforms and policies for the promotion of indigenous cultural values. This is because our cultural values are capable of restoring our pride and providing the basis for our development, just as Paula Gomez of the Alaafin’s Palace noted that “If you preserve, you develop.” Therefore, we must know that there is no development for us without preserving our cultural heritage.

Conclusion The CBCIU-Annual Osun Osogbo Festival in commemoration of the 2023 Osun Osogbo Festival reflected on the importance of Osun Osogbo in the contemporary greatness of Osogbo and the role of Susanne Wenger in the movement towards the restoration of the Osun Osogbo Sacred Groove. Though the papers presented are sacred, their contemporary importance and future importance to Yoruba religious, spiritual, and cultural identity and development cannot be underestimated.