Oyo Assembly Wants Govt To Honor Pa Lere Paimo, Late Fuji Icon, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, Others of Oyo Origin

The Oyo State House of Assembly has called on the state government to honor distinguished sons and daughters of the state who have made significant contributions to Nigeria’s cultural, entertainment, and artistic heritage.

Among those the House wants to be recognized are veteran Nollywood actor Chief Lere Paimo, popularly known as Eda Onile Ola, and the late fuji music legend, Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister.

A motion for the recognition of these distinguished personalities of Oyo state origin was presented by the Leader of the House, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin representing Ogbomoso South state constituency on May 14 during its Wednesday plenary sitting where lawmakers carry out deliberations in pure Yoruba language.

Chief Paimo, a recipient of the national honor Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), began his acting career in the 1960s and remains active in the arts to this day.

Reputable for his rich unique voice for rendering Yoruba panegyrics while acting and commanding stage presence, as well as mastery of Yoruba oral traditions, Chief Paimo is widely regarded as one of the most revered custodians of Yoruba heritage in the entertainment industry.

In their separate contributions, lawmakers commended Chief Paimo’s decades-long commitment to cultural storytelling and the use of indigenous language in drama to educate, inform, and entertain generations of Nigerians.

The recognition according to the house, is part of a new legislative initiative aimed at celebrating excellence and preserving the legacy of Oyo indigenes who have elevated the state’s reputation nationally and internationally particularly in the promotion of Yoruba cultural heritage.

Lawmakers in their separate submissions lamented the poor sense of appreciation and promotion of Yoruba culture by the younger generation. They unanimously supported the motion calling it a welcome development even though it was long overdue.

The motion was subsequently unanimously adopted by the House to formally recognize the veterans and icons for their enduring contributions to the preservation and promotion of Yoruba culture and traditions through film, music, and theater.

They also called for the recognition and honor of other Oyo state born veterans who have distinguished themselves in the Nigerian movie and entertainment industry.

In his brief remarks, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, said the move reflects the state’s commitment to acknowledging its cultural icons while they are still alive and immortalizing those who have passed away.

“Chief Lere Paimo has spent over six decades in the performing arts, promoting Yoruba culture and values through stage and screen. Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, though no longer with us, pioneered and popularized the fuji genre, influencing generations of musicians.

“They, among others, are true ambassadors of Oyo heritage,” Ogundoyin stated.

Other veterans of Oyo origin across diverse fields within the entertainment industry are also expected to be honored.