Oyo govt awards N25m to anthem composers

The Oyo State Government has approved a N25 million compensation for the composers of the state’s anthem, Asiwaju ni Wa, as announced by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, after the State Executive Council meeting on Tuesday, September 24.

The government also revealed plans to allocate land parcels and name streets after the composers. Governor Seyi Makinde praised the vision of Chief (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi, wife of the former governor, for initiating the anthem project.

Oyelade further noted that the Ministry of Information and Orientation would produce a documentary on the anthem’s history.

In addition, the council approved the promotion of 1,629 workers, including nurses previously affected by administrative errors during the 2017–2020 promotion cycle.

Further, 47 civil servants dismissed under the previous administration were reinstated, while 124 workers sacked in 2012 were pardoned. However, the council upheld the dismissal of 823 workers for submitting fake certificates.

Governor Makinde’s administration continues to prioritise worker welfare and right historical wrongs, with Oyelade noting, “The council is committed to restoring fairness while also recognising significant cultural contributions like the state anthem.”

This development follows the anthem’s adoption a decade ago without prior compensation for its composers.