Knocks, Kudos as Southwest Governors Adopt Anthem for Region

The six governors of Nigeria’s South-West states, under the auspices of the South-West Governors’ Forum, officially adopted the song Ic¹Ì wà fùñ Il¹ wá as the Yoruba anthem during a meeting held in Lagos on June 10, 2024. The meeting was attended by Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti).

The adoption of the anthem has sparked mixed reactions among stakeholders in the region.

Mixed Reactions:

1. Criticism as Misplaced Priority:
   • Kolawole Olaiya, former chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Ekiti State, criticized the adoption as a misplaced priority. Olaiya argued that the governors should focus on addressing critical issues such as welfare, security, and the minimum wage, rather than adopting a regional anthem. He emphasized that the citizens’ well-being should be the primary concern.
2. Support for Unity of Purpose:
   • The Pan-Yoruba socio-political organization Afenifere praised the adoption, viewing it as a step towards regional unity and a common purpose. Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, commended the governors for their sense of history, noting that the anthem was originally composed by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and set to melody by Chief Hubert Ogunde.
3. Symbol of Unity and Heritage:
   • Kole Omololu, an Afenifere chieftain, described the adoption as a significant moment in Yoruba history. He highlighted that the anthem symbolizes the Yoruba nation’s unique identity and common values. Omololu pointed out that the anthem is an inspiration for pride and unity among the Yoruba people.
4. Cultural and Patriotic Decision:
   • Otunba Tayo Onayemi, Convener of the Yoruba Commitment Forum (YCF), hailed the governors’ decision as culturally and politically tactful. He emphasized that the anthem calls for unity, hard work, and patriotism among the Yoruba people, aligning with the region’s progressiveness.
5. Push Towards Regional Government:
   • Kennedy Peretei, Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, viewed the adoption as a subtle push towards the re-establishment of regional government. He argued that the regional governance model previously encouraged healthy competition and development.
6. Call for Lyric Amendments:
   • The socio-cultural group Dee Osun Monitors highlighted the need to amend some lyrics of the anthem. The group’s coordinator, Prince Jide Akinyooye, suggested replacing the phrase ‘Omo Oodua’ with ‘Omo Yoruba’ to be more inclusive of all Yoruba people, not just the descendants of Oduduwa.

Conclusion:

The adoption of the Yoruba anthem by the South-West Governors’ Forum has elicited a variety of responses, reflecting the diverse opinions on regional priorities and cultural identity. While some view it as a positive step towards unity and cultural preservation, others believe the focus should remain on pressing socio-economic issues. The ongoing debate highlights the complexity of balancing cultural initiatives with immediate governance challenges.