The Oyo State Government has launched a cultural anthem in an effort to preserve cultural heritage and safeguard the legacies of individuals who devoted their lives to promoting African culture and Yoruba heritage.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, disclosed this during the third edition of the World Sango Festival and the Duro Ladipo Memorial Symposium, held at the Cultural Centre, Mokola, Ibadan.
Olatunbosun announced that the anthem would henceforth be played at all cultural and Isese-related programmes in the state, immediately after the state anthem, describing the initiative as a deliberate step towards strengthening and sustaining Yoruba traditions.
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He revealed that the first two editions of the symposium were hosted at the residence of the late cultural icon, Duro Ladipo, and also called on the government to consider converting the residence into a monument or museum to serve as a lasting tribute to his invaluable contributions to Yoruba heritage.
Speaking on the significance of Sango, the President of the International Council of Ifa Religion, Dr Fayemi Ifakayode, explained that the Sango worshipped in Yoruba traditional religion is Sango Ayilegbe-orun, one of the messengers of Olodumare who descended from the celestial realm.
He clarified that the third Alaafin of Oyo, also known as Sango, should not be mistaken for the deity, noting that the Alaafin was regarded as an incarnation of the divine figure.
While emphasising the importance of preserving ancestral heritage, a Yoruba culture and arts advocate, Prince Tunde Odunlade, urged Yoruba people to uphold the values and traditions handed down by their forefathers, rather than abandoning their cultural identity.
The event had in attendance the widow of Duro Ladipo, Mrs Biodun Duro-Ladipo; devotees of traditional religions from across the 33 local government areas of the state, as well as dignitaries and cultural stakeholders.
