Oyo State’s cultural anthem is to be performed immediately after the state anthem at cultural and Isese-related events, as part of efforts to strengthen Yoruba cultural identity and preserve traditional heritage.

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, announced the arrangement during the third edition of the World Sango Festival and Duro Ladipo Memorial Symposium at the Cultural Centre in Mokola, Ibadan.

Olatubosun said the anthem would be used at cultural programmes across the state, giving it a regular place in official heritage events.
He said the initiative was intended to keep Yoruba traditions relevant in contemporary society and encourage younger generations to remain connected to their cultural heritage.

The Oyo State Government had earlier announced the cultural anthem in April ahead of the 2026 World Egungun Festival. According to the government, the lyrics were written by Olatubosun, with contributions from cultural practitioners and the Oyo State Cultural Troupe.

The anthem forms part of wider efforts by the state to promote Yoruba culture through festivals, traditional institutions and public cultural programmes.

During the symposium, Olatubosun also called for the residence of the late playwright and cultural icon Duro Ladipo to be considered for conversion into a monument or museum in recognition of his contribution to Yoruba culture and African theatre.

He said the first two editions of the Duro Ladipo Memorial Symposium were held at the late playwright’s residence and argued that preserving the property as a heritage site would provide a lasting tribute to his legacy.

No formal plan for the proposed conversion was announced at the event.

The gathering also examined the place of Sango in Yoruba cultural and religious traditions.

Dr Fayemi Ifakayode, President of the International Council of Ifa Religion, said that, according to Yoruba traditional belief, Sango is regarded as a divine messenger of Olodumare.

He distinguished the deity from the historical Sango, the third Alaafin of Oyo, who he said is regarded within the tradition as an incarnation of the divine figure.

Yoruba culture and arts advocate Prince Tunde Odunlade also called for stronger efforts to preserve ancestral values and traditions, urging younger generations to learn and uphold cultural practices passed down by their forebears.

The event was attended by Mrs Biodun Duro-Ladipo, widow of the late playwright; practitioners and adherents of Yoruba traditional religion from Oyo State’s 33 local government areas; government officials; cultural practitioners and other stakeholders.

By placing the cultural anthem immediately after the state anthem at cultural and Isese-related events, Oyo State is giving the composition a more prominent role in public programmes centred on Yoruba heritage.