Governors in the South-West, frontline traditional rulers and other eminent Nigerians on Tuesday eulogised the works of the late pioneer coordinator of the National Troupe, Dr. Hubert Ogunde, who died 20 years ago.
At the inauguration of the complete musical works of the late theatre impresario, held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, the personalities said that the messages of the late Ogunde still held much meaning to the society, especially the Yoruba race, 20 years after his demise.
In attendance at the ceremony were Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel; his Ekiti State counterpart, Mr. Segun Oni; Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, while other state governors in the South-West sent their representatives.
Prominent traditional rulers in attendance included the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade; Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona; the Aloko of Iloko Ijesha, Oba Oladele Olashore; and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo;
Others were the former Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Chief Segun Olusola; renowned Yoruba scholar, Chief Adebayo Faleti; Afenifere chieftain, Chief Ayo Adebanjo; and businessman, Chief Olanihun Ajayi, among others.
Daniel said the state government decided to partner the Ogunde family for the inauguration of the musical works to ensure that the timeless message of the musical impresario was preserved.
Olusola said the clear message that had been passed at the ceremony was that the Yoruba would support any good cause at any time.
He said, “You can see the turnout of eminent traditional rulers, important personalities and the governors that gathered here today. It has shown clearly that the Yoruba are ready to support a worthy cause at any time. We, the artistes, and others are particularly delighted at this opportunity to preserve the works of an eminent Yoruba son, especially the timelessness of the message of the late Ogunde.”
The first son of the deceased, Mr. Ayo Ogunde, revealed the plan of the family to set up a museum in Ososa, Ogun State, where the works of their late father would be kept for future reference.
By Ademola Oni
