The Oluwo of Iwoland has described the traditional Yoruba drum as a powerful symbol of cultural identity, ancestral heritage and communal connection, saying the instrument serves as his “CCTV” by announcing visitors and tracing their identity before they arrive.
The monarch, while speaking on the enduring significance of Yoruba culture and traditions, revealed that traditional drummers wake him as early as 6:00 a.m. every morning with songs and praises that eulogise and re-echo his ancestral lineage.
«“Drummers wake me up every morning as early as 6am. They will eulogize, re-echo my ancestral line. And whenever I'm having a visitor, they tell me his or her identity before the visitor enters.»
«“That is one of the beauties of Yoruba culture and traditions. Our Yoruba drum is my own CCTV.”»
The Oluwo's remarks highlight the historical role of traditional drumming in Yoruba society, where drums are not merely musical instruments but important means of communication, storytelling, praise-singing and preservation of history.
Through oríkì and traditional drum rhythms, the lineage, achievements and histories of individuals and royal families can be preserved and passed from one generation to another.
For the monarch, the daily performance is therefore more than entertainment. It represents a living connection between the present generation and the ancestors whose legacies continue to shape Yoruba identity.
His description of the drum as his “CCTV” also offers a colourful illustration of how traditional cultural practices can function as an informal communication system—announcing important visitors and providing information about their identity even before they physically appear before the monarch.
The statement further underscores the growing call for the preservation of Yoruba language, traditional institutions, indigenous music and other cultural practices in the face of modernisation.
For the Oluwo, the drum remains a cultural instrument that speaks, remembers and connects generations.
In his words: “Our Yoruba drum is my own CCTV.”
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