The first edition of Àṣá Yorùbá Expo Calgary 2023, is here. It’s a celebration of the rich Yorùbá heritage in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
According to the organisers of the event, the Yorùbá people have spread out to different parts of the world from their ancestral homes in southwestern Nigeria, southern Benin Republic, and southern Togo in Africa over the course of time.
In the New World, individuals of Yorùbá descent can be found in Brazil, Cuba, Grenada, and other places. According to Lewis (2008), there are also 17 different ethnic groups within the Yorùbá community, namely, Anago, Awori, Egba, Egbado, Ekiti, Ibadan, Ife, Ifonyin, Igbomina, Ijebu, Ijesha, Ketu, Kwara, Ondo, Owo, Oyo, Shabe (Abiodun, 2014; Barnes, 2009).
“The practice of ‘japa,’ to leave one’s home for greener pastures, has led to a significant migration and resettlement of Yorùbás into countries such as Canada, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom.”
The organisers of the event explained that the first ever”Àṣá Yorùbá Expo Calgary 2023″ has multiple objectives some of which is to preserve and promote awareness of Yorùbá heritage. The event will also provide an opportunity for parents of Yorùbá descent to introduce their children to the culture and traditions of their ancestors. Yorùbá people have much to be proud of, including many notable figures who have brought recognition to Nigeria.”
The event will be attended by His Royal Highness Oba (Prof) Adekunle Ashamu Oyeyemi, TEWOGBADE 1, Oloba of Oba-Ile kingdom, along with his Olori Her Royal Majesty Adediwura Agnes Oyeyemi, (Nigeria) who will serve as the honored parents of the day. Also in attendance are the paramount ruler of the Yorubas in North America, Oba Adejuyigbe Alladaxonour Egunjobi Adefunmi II (Oloyotunji of Oyotunji in South Carolina, USA), as well as the Queen of New Jersey, Alhaja Temitope Adeshina, Oba Abimbola Balogun (Oshiloye Joe 1), the Akile of Okun Ade Yorùbá Africa Kingdom of Texas, Tampan Canada chapter, Mr. Enitan Temidayo (Toronto), Juliet Robert Obadiahi (Toronto), Deborah Ewedafe (Toronto), Dr Mary Bamimore (London), Princess Adenike Adenekan (Dublin, Ireland), official media team Waka Canada (Toronto), premium music band (Winnipeg), and many more dignitaries.
“In the spirit of preserving our heritage, I welcome you to celebrate the maiden edition of Àṣá Yorùbá Expo Calgary 2023. Àṣá wa ni, ẹjẹ ka gbe larugẹ!”
F. Adedeji
Honorable Ambassador Olori Funmilayo Adedeji
BFA/B.Ed (Drama Education)
CEO, Olori Theatre Entertainment & Productions
