The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the cultural heritage and legacies of individuals who dedicated their lives to promoting African culture and Yoruba traditions.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, stated this on Wednesday, August 12, at the third edition of the World Sango Festival and Duro Ladipo Memorial Symposium held at the Cultural Centre, Mokola, Ibadan.
Olatubosun called on governments at all levels to consider converting the former residence of the late renowned cultural icon, Duro Ladipo, into a monument or museum in recognition of his contributions to Yoruba culture and heritage.
He noted that the first two editions of the memorial symposium were held at Ladipo’s residence, stressing that transforming the building into a cultural site would provide a lasting tribute to the late dramatist and preserve his legacy for future generations.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of a new cultural anthem for the state.
The commissioner announced that the anthem would henceforth be played at all cultural and Isese-related programmes in Oyo State immediately after the state anthem.
According to him, the initiative was designed to strengthen cultural identity and promote the continued observance of Yoruba traditions among present and future generations.
Speaking on the significance of Sango in Yoruba traditional religion, the President of the International Council of Ifa Religion, Dr. Fayemi Ifakayode, explained that the Sango worshipped in the traditional religion is Sango Ayilegbe-orun, described as one of the messengers of Olodumare who descended from the celestial realm.
Ifakayode clarified that the third Alaafin of Oyo, who was also known as Sango, should not be confused with the deity, explaining that the Alaafin was regarded as an incarnation of the divine figure.
Also speaking, Yoruba culture and arts advocate, Prince Tunde Odunlade, urged the Yoruba people to preserve and promote their ancestral heritage rather than abandon their cultural identity.
Odunlade stressed the need for younger generations to uphold the values, customs and traditions inherited from their forebears, describing cultural preservation as essential to sustaining the identity of the Yoruba people.
The event was attended by the widow of Duro Ladipo, Mrs Biodun Duro-Ladipo; devotees of traditional religions from the 33 local government areas of Oyo State; dignitaries and other cultural stakeholders.
