The Oyo State House of Assembly has set machinery in motion for the state Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde to immortalize late Fuji icon, Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister who died almost 11 years ago.
The news was contained in a motion presented before the state’s Assembly by Hon. Yusuf Adebisi, who is representing Ibadan South West state constituency 1. Also co-sponsored the bill is the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Mohammed Fadeyi, Majority Leader, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin, Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Sunkanmi Babalola, Hon. Gabriel Babajide, Julius Okedoyin and Hon. Akeem Obadara.
Hon. Yusuf Adebisi revealing the mission behind the motion
While presenting the motion titled “Need to Immortalize a Music Icon and General, Late Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister (MFR), Hon. Adebisi, described the late Fuji icon as a legend, who had played vital role in the evolution of Fuji music in the country.
The youngest lawmaker in Nigeria listed General Kollington Ayinla, Chief Wasiu Ayinde, Ambassador Taiwo Adebisi (Taye Currency) as some of the beneficiaries of immense contribution of Dr. Sikiru Ayinde to the Fuji industry.
In his requests, Hon. Adebisi appealed to the Executive arm of government to immortalize the late Fuji icon by renaming after him, the popular Cultural Centre in Ibadan. The lawmaker also urged the state government to provide a good location where statue of the late Fuji originator, Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister erected by the Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria (FUMAN) will be mounted.
Other requests by the lawmaker include, “to urging the executive arm of government through the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism in collaboration with the Ministry of Special Duties to rename the popular Cultural Centre, Mokola, Madan after the ICON of Full music Late (Dr.) Skiru Ayinde Barrister
“To urge the executive arm of government through the Office of the Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism and Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism in collaboration with Fujl Musician Association of Nigeria (FUMAN) to dedicate an Annual Memorial Concert in honour of late (Dr.) Sikiru Ayinde Barrister (MFR).
“To appeal to the executive arm of government, through the Ministry of Special Duties to grant posthumous State Award to the original and legend of Full music, Late Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister.
“To urge the executive arm of government, through the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters and State Honours to name a street in Oapoveosa the place of birth of the late (Dr.) Sikiru Ayinde Barrister (MFR) after him, also the executive arm of government through the Office of the Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism in collaboration with relevant MDAs to facilitate a roundabout junction in a prime location within Ibadan Metropolis for Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria (FUMAN), to mount a statue of late (Dr.) Sikiru Ayinde Barrister and that two representatives of the family of late Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister to appear before the House at Plenary for posthumous recognition, in honour and appreciation of his nnumerous contribution to the development of Fuji music in Nigeria and the diaspora,” Hon. Yusuf Adebisi prayed.
Other lawmakers, Hon. Asimiyu Alarape, Hon. Fola Oyekunle and Hon. Bamgboye Abidoye, in their contribution to the motion, supported the prayers of the movers of the motion, citing numerous contributions of late Sikiru Ayinde Barrister to the country through his oratory skill.
While passing the resolutions, the Speaker, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, stated that immortalizing late Sikiru Ayinde Barrister is like preserving a culture for the younger generation, and will go a long way in showcasing his contributions to the Fuji music industry and Nigeria as a whole.
The Speaker also resolved that a state museum should be constructed and name after the late Fuji icon, this he expatiated that the museum will accommodated other icons across all walks of life that have done well for their state and at the same time increases the tourist sites and revenue base of the state.
