At the plenary today, 17 July 2023, the Osun State House of Assembly passed the Osun State Anthem, Crest and Flag Bill 2023 into law.
Shortly before the passage, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun, admonished his colleagues to read through the bill to ensure that it reflects what transpired at the Committee of the Whole at the last plenary.
The sponsor of the bill, who is also the Majority Leader of the House, moved the motion for the third reading of the Bill and the motion was seconded by the Hon. representing Ife Central, Hon. Abiola Jeremiah Awoyeye.
After the passage, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun commended his colleagues for the accelerated passage of the Osun State Anthem, Crest and Flag Bill 2023 into Osun State Anthem, Crest and Flag Law 2023.
He noted that the new law was re-enacting the spirit and character of the repealed State of Osun Anthem, Crest and Flag Law, 2012 but with vital amendments that reflect the evolving identity and aspirations of the State.
He added that the new law was also in compliance with the Judgement delivered on December 14th, 2017 by Hon. Justice O. D. Afolabi of the High Court of Osun State in Suit No. KIL/M47/2016.
Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun affirmed that the law was also to ensure consistency and clarity in the naming conventions of States in Nigeria as prescribed by the Constitution.
According to him, “We have by this law, returned the State to its factual and constitutional description as ‘Osun State’ across all legislation passed by this esteemed House from 2012 to 2022. This adjustment ensures accuracy and facilitates seamless interpretation, implementation, and reference to the laws of our State.
“Furthermore, we have by this law, amended the name of the House itself, reverting to the constitutionally designated “Osun State House of Assembly.
“This adjustment preserves the integrity and coherence of our legislative institution while aligning it with the form prescribed in Schedule 7 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Additionally, the law makes for the evolution of our State’s appellation, shifting from ‘The State of the Virtuous’ (IPINLE OMOLUABI) to “The State of the Living Spring.” This change not only encapsulates the dynamic spirit, vitality, and vibrancy that our State embodies but also resonates deeply with the soul of our people and the founding fathers of our State. It reflects harmony with nature, acknowledging the abundant springs and water bodies that grace our landscape, symbolizing purity, resilience, and a source of blessings.
“Instructively, the new law retains the old Osun Anthem. This means that the State Anthem shall continue to be rendered at all public functions in the State, alongside the National Anthem. We recognize the role that the rich Yoruba anthem can play in cultural and value orientation, and thus, it has been retained to continue to play this critical role.
“Lastly, the new law adopts the Nigerian National Flag and Coat of Arms as the sole flag and crest to be utilized across all public spaces within our State. This adjustment represents a commitment to our national identity and unity as one vibrant and indivisible entity under the Nigerian Federation.”