See how Oyo govt, Ogbomoso councils plan to honour late Ijala icon Foyanmu
Yinka ADETUNJI
Posthumously, the late Ijala icon, Ogundare Foyanmu, is in line for a credible honour as the Oyo state government in conjunctions with the five local governments in Ogbomoso zone has set up a committee to look at the best way the Ogbomoso-born Ijala exponent could be immortalized.
The chairman of Ogbomoso North local government, Hon. Kabir Akanji Ayoade, confirmed this development to ogbomosoinsightonline.com during a chat Sunday.
Hon Ayoade disclosed the motion to immortalize Foyanmu was moved and passed by the Oyo State House of Assembly (OYHA).
“Now, the project would be executed by the state government in conjunctions with the local governments in Ogbomoso zone and a committee has been set up to work on it,” Hon Ayoade infirmed.
The chairman hinted that part of the plan is to turn his residence at Taraa, Ogbomoso, into a “tourism place.”
Further investigations revealed that the motion was actually moved by the Majority Leader, OYHA, Hon. Sanjo Onaolapo Adedoyin, which he also confirmed to ogbomosoinsightonline.com.
“Sanjay,” as the Majority Leader is popularly called, said he moved the motion during the tenth memorial anniversary of the late hero recently.
According to him, “the House resolved to urge the State Government through the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism in conjunction with Ajilete FM, Gambari, Ogbomoso, to dedicate ample time to promote late Ogundare Foyanmu’s music,” adding, “We also called on the chairmen in Ogbomoso zone most especially Ogbomoso North, socio-cultural associations and individuals to institute annual memorial lectures in his honour.
“Similarly, we urged the State Government to name a monument to immortalize Baba Foyanmu and that his house at Taraa be turned into a musical and cultural museum subject to consent of his family just as we ask that a foundation be instituted in his honour.”
Adedoyin, who is seeking reelection on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), assured the idea would materialize.
Late Chief Ogundare Foyanmu attained great fame in the Ijala music genre bringing acclaim to Ogbomoso, where he hails from and Oyo state in general. He died ten years ago at a very ripe age.
His achievement in music has seen many clamouring for government and his Ogbomoso people to immortalize him. Perhaps the dream is about to come to fruition.
