Oyo govt unveils cultural anthem to promote Yoruba heritage

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Oyo State Government has unveiled a new cultural anthem as part of efforts to promote, preserve and sustain Yoruba culture and traditions across the state.

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, disclosed this at the third symposium held to commemorate the World Sango Festival and Duro Ladipo Memorial Symposium at the Cultural Centre in Ibadan.

Olatunbosun said the government had completed the audio and video versions of the anthem, fulfilling a commitment made during the previous Isese celebration.

He added that the anthem would be played immediately after the state anthem at cultural and Isese-related programmes across the state, describing the initiative as another step towards strengthening Yoruba heritage and connecting younger generations with their cultural roots.

Meanwhile, Olatunbosun said the state had continued to sustain the annual symposium to honour personalities who dedicated their lives to promoting African culture and preserving its heritage.

He also urged the government to convert the residence of late cultural icon Duro Ladipo, where the first two editions of the symposium were held, into a monument or museum to preserve his contributions and legacy for future generations.

Similarly, the President of the International Council of Ifa Religion, Dr. Fayemi Ifakayode, said there was a need to distinguish between the spiritual Sango and the historical Alaafin of Oyo who bore the same name, while Yoruba culture and arts advocate, Prince Tunde Odunlade, urged younger generations to understand and uphold their ancestral heritage.

The symposium focused on the significance of Sango, the preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage and the contributions of Duro Ladipo and other cultural icons, with participants stressing the need to pass Yoruba history, values and traditions to future generations.