Late Fuji Icon, Barrister To Be Immortalized As Oyo Assembly Member Moves Motion

The Oyo State House of Assembly witnessed scores of fuji musician, fans, family and friends of the late fuji music legend, Dr Sikiru Ayinde Balogun Barrister stormed the Oyo state House of Assembly today as the lawmakers deliberated on how to properly immortalize the late music Icon.

The National executive of the Fuji Musician Association of Nigeria FUNMAN led by its President Alhaj Sikiru Ayinde Agboola and other executives were present.

Prominent fuji musician including Alhaji Taiwo Adebisi Currency, Alhaji Rashidi Ayinde, Fuji Merenge, Alhaji Muri Alabi, Muri Thunder, Alhaja Aminat Asabi Barrymade, Sikiru Ayinde Nureni Bonanza, Sanko Rashidi, Alhajai Iyanda Sawaba and Rasheed Adigun were at the gallery to witness the deliberation.

Also, Special adviser to Governor Makinde on Tourism Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige, Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Legislative matters ,Hon Samuel Adejumo Ademola and others were also in attendance.

The Ibadan born musician with National Award , MFR was regarded as a pioneer of Fuji and Wéré music. After his first break into music in 1965.

He died in December 16 ,2010 at St. Mary’s Hospital, London, United Kingdom at the age of 62.

During his lifetime, Barrister released over 70 studio albums and many songs which illuminates the society, he bagged a honorary doctorate degree from City University Los Angeles (CULA).

Sikiru Ayinde Barrister was a Pan African Nationalist, he was enlisted in the Nigeria Army at the tender age of 18 in 1966. He fought in the Nigeria Civil war on the side of Federal Force preserving the unity of our great country, Nigeria.

In a motion entitled “NEED TO IMMORTALISE A MUSIC ICON AND GENERAL, LATE DR

SIKIRU AYINDE BARRISTER (MFR) By Hons. Yusuf. O. Adebisi (Ibadan South West 1 and others, said Barrister’s contribution to music in Nigeria, Africa and the world while alive was legendary.

Other lawmaker who co–sponsor the bill includes Deputy Chief Whip, A. M. Fadeyi (Ona-Ara) Deputy Speaker, (S.A. Onaolapo (Ogbomoso South) Majority Leader, 0.5. Babalola (Egbeda) Deputy Majority Leader, K. O. Olayanju (trepo/Olorunsogo), B. G. Adebayo (Ibadan North II), F.J. Okedoyin (Saki West) and A.O. Obadara (Ibadan North West

According to the motion, a posthumous recognition, in his honour and appreciation of his numerous contributions to the development of fuji music in Nigeria and the Diaspora was suggested.

Other method of immortalizing him which was stated in the motion includes erecting his statue at a notable roundabout in Ibadan, naming a monument like cultural centre after him, renaming of music department after him and others.

Apart from singing different tracks of his music, all the lawmakers that contributed to the motion paid a glowing tribute to the late sage.

Hon Yusuf Adebisi while speaking with journalist said the rationale behind the motion was to encourage people to do good because their good deed will always live after them.

According to him, ”I was overwhelmed when people where paying a glowing tribute to the late talented music icon who died over 10 years ago, and I thank my colleagues and members of the industry for their support.” He said.