…Cautions Teachers To Stop Victimising Students for Speaking Mother’s Tongue In School Environment
By Eseoghene Emuke
Frontline Nigerian traditional ruler and Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom in Delta State, His Majesty, King Obukohwo Monday Whiskey, Ph.D., Udurhie 1, has charged people of Urhobo ethnic nationality to protect their language and tradition from going into extinction.
The monarch lamented that the speaking of Pidgin English was gradually eroding the speaking of the Urhobo language, especially among youth and children, in many homes, warning that “there are no people without a language and tradition.”
The Idjerhe monarch, who is also the spokesperson (Otota) of Urhobo Traditional Rulers Council, otherwise known as Ukoko R’ Ivie Urhobo, made the call on Sunday while hosting members of the Wado City Advocacy Group, headed by Dr. Ejiro Imuere.
He noted that as a traditional ruler and custodian of Urhobo tradition and customs, he would work with other traditional rulers and other pro-Urhobo groups in Urhoboland to ensure that Urhobo language and tradition do not go into extinction.
Udurhie 1 stated that Urhobo people must take proactive steps and actions to promote the speaking of the Urhobo language irrespective of the place of residence, adding that if nothing is done, Urhobo language might fade away sooner than expected.
The journalist-turned-royal father charged Urhobo parents and the youths to take pride in the speaking of Urhobo language and participating in Urhobo tradition, stressing that every tribe, including civilised climes such as United Kingdom and China, all have traditions and languages.
Speaking further, the Idjerhe monarch also cautioned Urhobo people against demonising their culture and tradition, noting that even in Britain, their age-long tradition and culture are still being observed and strictly followed.
He charged the Imuere-led group to take interest in documenting Urhobo culture and tradition for even transition in an era of social media, while calling on Urhobos to accord their traditional rulers respect and support in the discharge of their duties as the ‘middlemen’ between the ancestors and the people.
The outspoken tradition ruler further advocated for the early teaching of the Urhobo language at homes and in schools, cautioning teachers to stop victimising students for speaking their language with their peers in school, stressing that such action kills students’ morale in speaking the language.
While appreciating the group for fighting for the interest of the Urhobo people, the first-class monarch, however, warned members of the group to operate within ambit of the law and desist from any act capable of causing break down of law and order.
“The British people still follow their culture and tradition. All of their tradition and culture are well documented. Urhobo must document their tradition in the various kingdoms. Urhobo people must stop demonising our culture. As exposed and educated as I am, when I see what is wrong or bad, I will spot it. If we abandon what we sustain our culture, the culture will go into extinction.
“We must take pride in our culture—songs, dressing, folklore, etc. The language and culture are what our ancestors passed down to us. We have a beautiful culture and tradition. We should take pride in protecting it by all means. We should not be ashamed of who we are.
“In our neighbouring state of Edo, there are people who have dedicated their lives to dancing for the Oba of Benin from time to time. If it were here, some people would call it slavery. We must be dedicated to the promotion of our traditions and culture. It’s our identity.
“Activity of this group (Wado City Advocacy Group) needs wisdom and knowledge. I have called you here today for us to discuss and for me to offer you some words of wisdom so that whatever comes from you will be something that no one can fault and become a reference point or research focus”, Udurhie 1 asserted
In his remark, the convener of Wado City Advocacy Group, Dr. Imuere commended Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, Udurhie 1, for inviting members of the group for a discussion, stressing that such a royal fatherly parley would positively shape the activity of the group.
Imuere, a medical doctor turned lawyer and engineer, said the group and people of the Niger Delta region are pleased with the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom for promoting peace and advocating for the development of the region.
While outlining the group’s agenda to the monarch, he vowed to operate within the law in her quest to protect Urhobo territories and promote Urhobo language and tradition.
He called on Urhobo leaders to support and accord absolute respect to traditional rulers and pledged the group’s support and promotion of Urhobo traditional rulers.
