Every year, Lagos sets aside a week to celebrate Yoruba language, dress, food and history. Known as Yoruba Week, it is one of the clearest signs that the culture is being treated as a living part of public life in Nigeria’s biggest city. This guide explains where it comes from, when it is held, and how you can join in, whether you live in Lagos or follow from the diaspora.
How Lagos Yoruba Week began
Reports say the Lagos State House of Assembly passed a resolution on 19 September 2023 to set aside a week for Yoruba culture. A report dated 2 May 2024 then described the state as having put this on a legal footing, with the celebration fixed for the last week of September each year. We summarise those reports here, so check the latest official announcements for the exact dates in any given year. See the coverage at Premium Times for related reporting.
The idea fits a wider push to protect Yoruba heritage. The J.K. Randle Centre for Yoruba History and Culture in Lagos, a project linked to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, is part of the same conversation about giving culture a permanent home.
What happens during Yoruba Week
Activities differ from year to year, but celebrations of this kind usually include:
- Language days: speaking Yoruba in schools, offices and on social media.
- Traditional dress: wearing aso oke, adire, buba and sokoto, iro and buba, and gele.
- Food: sharing dishes such as amala, ewedu, gbegiri, moi moi and ofada rice.
- Music, drama and storytelling: dundun drumming, folktales and performances.
Why it matters for the Yoruba language
Many Yoruba parents worry that children in cities speak English at home and lose the mother tongue. A named week gives families a reason to switch back. A simple start is greeting people properly, so try our guide to Yoruba greetings for morning, afternoon and evening. Our Learn Yoruba page collects every lesson in one place.
How to celebrate Yoruba Week at home or abroad
- Greet your family and colleagues in Yoruba each day.
- Wear something traditional, even one piece such as a cap or gele.
- Cook a Yoruba meal. Our 12 classic Yoruba recipes are a good start.
- Read about the festivals. See our guide to Yoruba festivals.
- Teach a child one new proverb or name meaning.
If you are planning a trip around cultural events, our Yoruba events calendar for October to December 2026 lists what is coming up next.
Frequently asked questions
When is Yoruba Week in Lagos?
Reports say it is held in the last week of September each year. Confirm the dates with official Lagos State announcements.
Who can take part?
Anyone. You do not need to be Yoruba or live in Lagos, and many people join online.
Is Yoruba Week a public holiday?
We have not seen a report saying it is a public holiday. Treat it as a cultural week, and check official notices.
Sources
- Premium Times, reports on Yoruba Week and the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Images: Unsplash photographers (Ben Iwara and others).
