Southwest Governors adopt new anthem for region

THE six Governors of the South-West States of Nigeria, under the auspices of ‘the South-West Governors’ Forum, on Monday, June 10, 2024, met in Lagos, where they discussed issues about the development of the region.

According to media reports, Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) attended the meeting. At the meeting, the Governors unanimously and officially adopted the 'Ise Fun Ilewa' song as the Yoruba anthem.

The adoption of the new Yoruba anthem has continued to generate reactions from stakeholders in the region. While some see it as a misplaced priority, others see it as a good step towards the realisation of the regional government, which the South-West has been at the forefront of.

The former Chairman of Trade Union Congress, TUC, Ekiti State chapter, Mr Kolawole Olaiya described the new regional anthem as a misplaced priority, adding that the South-West Governors should prioritise the welfare and security of the citizens by coming up with an acceptable new minimum wage.

Meanwhile, the Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, said that the adoption of the anthem “signifies a resolve by South-West Governments that our region will be marching forward with unity of purpose.”

Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, commended the Governors for having a good sense of history as he recalled that the anthem was composed by the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN, under the leadership of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

“Indeed, it was Chief Awolowo who composed the anthem and asked Chief Hubert Ogunde, the renowned artiste, to give the anthem a melody. Ogun State Government, under the late Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, adopted the anthem. Osun State did the same when Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola was Governor.

“Late Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu followed suit by adopting it for Ondo State. This, however, was the first time that all Governments in the South-West Region would adopt a common anthem. The uniqueness of the anthem is not only in the exhortative words it contains but also in the fact that it is in the native language of the people, Yoruba.”

Ajayi further urged the Governors to ensure that the anthem is learnt and recited by students in all Yoruba-speaking areas and beyond.