The State of Osun House of Assembly, on Monday reacted to the inaugural speech of the new Governor of Osun, Senator Ademola Adeleke over executive order.
Adeleke had ordered reversal of the slogan Osun from the State of the Virtuous to Living Spring during his inaugural speech on Sunday.
In a statement, the Chairman, House Committee on Media and Publicity, Hon. Kunle Akande, the parliament says the Osun Anthem and the appellation of Osun as the State of the Virtuous remains legal, as it is backed by relevant provisions, enacted by the assembly, and assented to in 2012.
The legislature, however also said since there is a judgement on the matter relating to reverting to Osun State against the ‘State of Osun,’ it will wait till all legal means are exhausted on it before starting its position on to it.
Hon. Akande said Osun will continue to be referred to as the State of the Virtuous (Ipinle Omoluabi), saying the decision is an enactment of law and not by choice.
The statement said: “The usage of the State Anthem, Crest and Flag is an enactment of law and as such, its usage is a matter of law and not choice.
“The enactment “State of Osun Anthem, Crest and Flag Law, 2012” assented to on the 18th of December, 2012 contained in Schedule I, II, III, IV and V, which carefully details every component of this law is not in ambiguity.
“Schedule I is the State Anthem, Schedule II has to do with the State Crest, Schedule III is the symbolic significance of the the symbolic significance of the elements in the Flag.
“Lastly, while we are aware of a court judgment in effect recognizing “Osun State”, the Assembly, pending the determination and exhaustion of all legal means would not be drawn into this matter.
“However, the State shall and will continue to be described as the State of the Virtuous (Ipinle Omoluabi).”
