By Ayo Arowojolu
The seeming gradual and systemic erosion of Yoruba cultural identity particularly stemming from the aftermath of the transition of the late Awujale of Ijebu-land, Oba Sikiru Adetona is the main issue on the front burner on the popular monthly interview discourse, Boiling Point Arena.
Sunday August 10, 2025 is the D-Day for the 34th edition of the global online discourse commencing from 8pm over a two-hour duration.
To unmask all the angles germane to the ostensibly volatile issue are two of Nigeria’s bright minds from two divergent planks, an Ifa Priest and erstwhile Vice-Chancellor Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof. Wande Abimbola and popular preacher, Pastor Femi Emmanuel who is a one-time Deputy Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly.
The once-in-a-month current affairs programme is transmitted via Zoom and broadcast live on six radio stations across Lagos, Ogun and Delta States as well as a cable television, NSTV on GoTV channel 316
With an incredibly large online followership and wide listenership base, Boiling Point Arena is hosted by a media professional and public relations strategist, Dr Ayo Arowojolu.
Both Prof Wande Abimbola and Pastor Femi Emmanuel are to dissect the dynamism of tradition and culture as well as the imperative of preservation of cultural ethos and practices which define the Yoruba people.
The duo will pointedly situate the new trend of burying monarchs based on their spiritual leanings while alive as to whether it’s an evolution of tradition or outright desecration of culture.
The Discussants are to also interrogate all the issues involved within the context of tradition, Law, government influence and religion.
The topic of discourse is: “Secrecy Vs Transparency: The Great Battle Over Yoruba Monarchs’ Burial Traditions and the Future of Yoruba Culture”
Prof Abimbola holds the traditional title of Awise Gbogbo Agbaye, a title conferred on hm by the then Ọọni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade in 1981 on the recommendation of a conclave of West African Babalawos.
For his part, Pastor Emmanuel is the General Overseer of Living Spring Church International, a sprawling church with branches all over the country and overseas. He recently clocked 70.
Foremost traditional ruler, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof Saka Matemilola is the Keynote Speaker and Chair to herald the discourse.
A well publicized discourse, Boiling Point Arena will be broadcast live on WASH 94.9FM, Sweet 107.1FM, Roots 97.1FM, Erimbe 94.7FM, Women Radio 91.7FM and Kruzz 92.9FM.
Boiling Point is a news and general interest Group comprising of eminent personalities including over 300 Professors, technocrats, industry leaders, High Court Justices, traditional rulers, security top shots, media professionals and several others.
