The first Hero of the Yoruba people

Oduduwa is the Progenitor and the first Hero of the Yoruba people worldwide

The Ga Mantse(The King of Ga Nation), H.R.M Nii Tackie Tawiah Tsuru II and the Ooni of Ile Ife, H.I.M Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ọjájá II) CFR.

Oduduwa holds a revered position in Yoruba mythology as the first hero and father of the Yoruba people. According to tradition, Oduduwa played a vital role in the creation and establishment of the Yoruba civilization. His significance is deeply rooted in the history and culture of the Yoruba people.

The All Yoruba Heroes Summit, scheduled to take place in Accra in 2024 holds great significance for several reasons. One of the key highlights is the connection between the Yoruba and Ga people. The Ga people, who are the hosts of the Yoruba people in Accra, are believed to have migrated from Ile-Ife, the ancestral home of the Yoruba people. This migration forms a historical link between the two communities and serves to strengthen the cultural ties that exist between them.

Recently, there was a historical visit by the Ga Mantse (Paramount King of the Ga Nation) to Ile-Ife. This visit deepens the historical connection between the Ga and Yoruba people and symbolizes the mutual respect, understanding, and desire for cultural exchange between the two communities. Such exchanges not only strengthen the bond between the Ga and Yoruba people but also promote cultural appreciation and foster unity among diverse African communities.

The All Yoruba Heroes Summit is a platform for cultural exchange, dialogue, exhibitions and celebration. It provides an opportunity for us as the Yoruba people to connect with our ancestral roots and honour our heroes, while also fostering stronger relationships with the Ga people. Through this summit, both communities can deepen their understanding of each other's culture, history, and shared experiences, promoting unity and solidarity among African peoples.

Background Objectives

A picture of the moment TC Awards was launched in 2022 by His Excellency, Ambassador Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, the then Nigeria High Commissioner to Ghana and other prominent members of the Yoruba community in Ghana.

The Yoruba people are undoubtedly one of the most prominent black ethnic groups in the world today. With over 41 million people of Yoruba descent spread across sixteen countries in West Africa, as well as large communities in the Americas and Europe, the Yorubas have come a long way. However, this success story would not have been possible without the bravery and resilience of certain Yoruba heroes who, through their contributions, helped to shape the history of the Yoruba people.

Among these heroes is Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a prominent Nigerian statesman and one of the founding fathers of the Nigerian nation. Awolowo was a tireless advocate for social justice and equality, and his contributions to Nigeria's fight for independence from colonial rule are legendary. Another notable hero is Chief Gani Fawehinmi, a renowned human rights lawyer and activist who fought tirelessly for the rights of the disadvantaged in Nigerian society. His fearless pursuit of justice made him a household name, and he remains an inspiration to many young Nigerians today.

Similarly, Chief (Mrs) Olufunmilayo Ransome Kuti was a trailblazer in the fight for women's rights in Nigeria. She was a passionate advocate for education and worked tirelessly to ensure that more Nigerian women had access to quality education.

These heroes, along with others such as Chief Hubert Ogunde, Oba (Sir) Adesoji Aderemi, Mr. Duro Ladipo, Pa Abraham Adesanya, and living legends like Prof Wole Soyinka, Pa Olusegun Osoba, and His Excellency the President of Nigeria Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have each contributed in their way to the success story that is the Yoruba people.

In Ghana, there are also heroes of Yoruba descent who played a critical role in shaping the history of Yoruba people in the country. Notable among these heroes are Chief Brimah 1, Alhaji Rahimi Gbadamasi, Alhaji Razak El Alawa, Dr. Mustapha of blessed memory, and Justice Omodele Akiwumi.

As we celebrate the achievements of the Yoruba people, it is essential to remember the sacrifices and contributions of these heroes, whose legacies continue to shape the course of our society today.