The Oyo State Government has convened a stakeholders’ meeting with no fewer than 19 Isese youth organisations across the state to deliberate on the formation of an umbrella body to coordinate and protect the interests of Isese youths in Oyo State.
The meeting brought together Isese youths comprising Olorisa and Onifa from the five zones of the state, alongside representatives of the elders’ forum.
Key deliberations focused on the formation of the proposed umbrella body, its official name, and the adoption of a cultural anthem, in furtherance of ongoing engagements with other cultural stakeholders in the state.
After extensive deliberations and several suggestions, the stakeholders unanimously adopted “National Council for Isese Youth Organization” as the umbrella body, under which all Isese youth forums and associations will operate. While 19 organisations were present at the meeting, participants pledged to mobilize more than 30 additional associations to come on board.
Speaking on the proposed cultural anthem, the Commissioner of Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun disclosed that inputs from Isese youths would be incorporated. He assured the gathering that the anthem’s lyrics would be forwarded to the organisations for review and contributions before final production.
In their separate remarks, leaders and stakeholders present at the meeting including the Araba of Ile Ibadan, who was ably represented by the Baleshin Awo of Ibadan, Chief Awodele Aderemi Oladejo, and the Aare Isese of Oyo State, Chief Omikunmi Egbelade expressed unanimous support for the formation of the umbrella body. They pledged unalloyed support for the Isese youth movement on behalf of traditional worship leaders across the state.
According to them, “History is repeating itself. We may not fully appreciate the landmark achievements of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde and Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun until they leave office.”
They further noted that while many political office holders had made promises in the past without fulfilment, the present administration had demonstrated genuine commitment to the growth of traditional worship.
“All resolutions reached today are laudable. The leadership of the new body must be inclusive across all youth organisations, while cordial relations between elders and youths must be sustained. We urge the Honourable Commissioner to ensure the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by all association presidents,” Chief Egbelade stated.
Also speaking, the president of the International Council for Ifa Religion, Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode, commended the Oyo State Government and the Commissioner for their sustained support for traditional worshippers.
“I believe this is the appointed time, which is why long-standing challenges are being addressed today. Having an umbrella body will strengthen the organisation. This initiative will not undermine member associations; rather, it introduces corporate membership instead of individual representation,” he said, while urging elders to give maximum support to the youths.
In his contribution, a stakeholder, Surv. Dasola Fadiran Adefabi, cautioned members against neglecting their individual associations due to the formation of the umbrella body.
“Commitment often drops when a larger body is formed. I urge members not to abandon their respective associations. This organisation is not business-oriented but established to propagate traditional religious activities. Be committed to both,” he advised.
Highlights of the meeting included the formation of the executive structure of the new organisation, comprising a State Coordinator, Mr. Sola Owomide Popoola
Secretary, Mrs Ajayi Oluwabusayo and Public Relations Officer, Mr. Isola Ojetunde while presidents of all affiliated associations will form the nucleus of the executive council.
Meanwhile, after the meeting, a courtesy visit was paid to the Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Hon. Falana Adebowale Adebayo. He pledged to fast-track the formal registration of the body and integrate it into the state’s platform of recognised youth organisations, assuring that the government is committed to providing full support to youth groups across the state. “This is a positive step for Isese youths. Be assured that the government is ready to stand with you.”
