15/05/2025
Majority Leader, Hon. Adedoyin, urges Oyo govt to honour Chief Lere Paimo, others
At today's plenary, I urged the Oyo State government through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to honour veteran actor and quintessential thespian, Chief Lere Paimo (popularly called Eda Onileola), and other icons.
i made these appeal during the House’s plenary sitting where lawmakers carried out deliberations in pure Yoruba language.
"It is imperative the state government through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism puts measures in place to appreciate the contributions of Chief Paimo and other veterans towards the development of Yoruba language, culture and stage drama.
Part of the resolutions is that the House would honour Chief Lere Paimo in one of its plenaries and urged the executive arm to support him morally and financially.
Apart from Chief Paimo, the House wants the state government to honour late fuji icon, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, and others of Oyo origin who have made significant contributions to Nigeria’s cultural, entertainment, and artistic heritage.
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, an indigene of Ogbomoso, is widely regarded as one of the most revered custodians of Yoruba heritage in the entertainment industry.
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.
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.
The House also called for the recognition and honour 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,” he said.
