Benin Republic has recognised the Yoruba language as second official language in the country.

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin, Dr Lawrence Obisakin, who disclosed this also said Dendi, another indigenous Nigeria language, is also being recognised alongside Yoruba by the Beninoise Government, underscoring the affinity between the two countries.

The Nigerian envoy explained that based on the recognition, the Federal Government recently donated Yoruba language books to the Government of Benin.

“Just a week ago, Nigerian government gave Yoruba books to the government of Benin to support the recognition of the language.

“We have two languages recognised; Yoruba and Dendi languages have been recognised here as national languages,’’ he said.

According to him, even the President of Benin said 70 to 80 per cent of the people are of Nigerian origin.

“From the south, you have the Egun, both in Porto Novo and Badagry. When you go northward, you begin to find the Yoruba people.

“You have also the Bariba people; you have the Batonu who we call the Borgu people. You have the Dendi people; you have the people that speak Fulani and Hausa.”