The six governors of Nigeria's Southwest states, under the South-West Governors’ Forum, met in Lagos on Monday, June 10, 2024, to discuss regional development. Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) were in attendance. During the meeting, the governors unanimously adopted "Ìcó wà fún Ìlà wá" as the Yoruba anthem.
The adoption has sparked mixed
reactions from stakeholders in the region. Former chairman of the Trade Union
Congress (TUC) in Ekiti State, Mr. Kolawole Olaiya, criticized the move as a
misplaced priority, urging the governors to focus on citizens' welfare and
security instead. He emphasized the need for a new minimum wage and better living
conditions for the people.
In contrast, the Pan-Yoruba
socio-political organization Afenifere praised the adoption. Afenifere's
National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, commended the governors for their
unity and historical awareness, noting the anthem's origins with Chief Obafemi Awolowo
and Chief Hubert Ogunde. He encouraged the teaching of the anthem in schools
across Yoruba-speaking areas.
Afenifere chieftain Mr. Kole
Omololu expressed his approval, calling the adoption a significant moment in
Yoruba history. Otunba Tayo Onayemi, Convener of the Yoruba Commitment Forum,
also supported the decision, describing it as a patriotic move that promotes
unity and hard work.
However, Dee Osun Monitors, a
socio-cultural group, criticized the anthem as deficient. The group's
coordinator, Prince Jide Akinyooye, called for changes to the lyrics,
suggesting "Omo Oodua" be replaced with "Omo Yoruba" to
better reflect the diversity of the Yoruba people.
The adoption of the Yoruba
anthem reflects the region's ongoing dialogue about cultural identity and
governance, highlighting both support and dissent within the Southwest.
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