The Ogun State House of Assembly has passed a resolution to officially recognise and immortalise the original author and composer of the State Anthem, “Ise Ya”, Chief Dayo Dedeke.
The lawmakers submitted that such a move will further encourage and promote patriotism and dignity in labor among the people of the State.
They also directed that one of the cultural monuments in the State should be renamed after the late artiste as a way of appreciating his laudable contributions to the State.
Chief Dedeke was a renowned musicologist who was born on the 2nd of December, 1921 in Abeokuta. He studied music at the University of Melbourne, Australia. He composed ‘Iwe Kiko’ in 1953 to commemorate the inauguration of Farmers’ Cooperative Societies in the Western Region.
The late composer initiated the carol service in Ogun State, and the first Music Director and master orchestra. He held the two positions until his death on May 18, 1994.
He was also the person who composed the Ogun State song, ‘Ise Ya’ in 1976 before it was adopted as the state anthem.
The resolution was however passed on the floor of the state assembly, after the Majority Leader, Sheriff Yusuf, however, moved a motion and seconded by the Deputy Speaker, Oludare Kadiri, and supported by the Whole House through a voice vote.
Opening a debate on the motion, the Sponsor and member representing Remo North State Constituency, Osho Solomon chronicled the life achievements of the late composer, who hailed from Iporo Ake in Egba land, expressing that the creativity contained in his song led to its adoption as the State anthem.
He described Dekede as a legend, whose intellectual lyrics till date encouraged patriotism, diligence and quality service to society, with a task to the people of the State to continue to contribute their quota to the development of the society in their various callings and professions.
Corroborating the sponsor’s view, other members including Hon Yusuf Adejojo, Hon Olakunle Sobukola, Hon Bolanle Ajayi and Hon Soneye Damilola, remarked that the State identity as contained in the song, advocated hard work and positive morals for younger generations to emulate, adding that the composer deserved to be recognised and rewarded by the present administration.
In another development, the Speaker, Hon Kunle Oluomo has directed Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of government in the State to submit thirty copies of their mid-year financial report for the last six months to the State House of Assembly before Thursday, 25th July 2019 for appraisal in line with the approved 2019 Appropriation Law.
