Barrister Becomes First Nigerian Musician Honoured With Monument at National Museum

Late Fuji music icon, Chief (Dr.) Sikiru Ayinde Barrister (MFR), has become the first Nigerian musician and recording artist to be honoured with a monument within the National Museum of Unity, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The historic recognition was marked during the third edition of the monument unveiling organised by the BarryFest Group as part of efforts to preserve and celebrate the enduring legacy of the pioneer of Fuji music.
The event, which turned the National Museum of Unity into a hub of excitement, drew dignitaries, Fuji music stars and stakeholders in the culture and entertainment industry. Among those in attendance were Ayinde Merenge, Ambassador Romoke Ayinde (Karomlee), Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, Chief Kola Oyedeji, Elder Dayo Odeyemi, Chief Oyasola Oyadiji, Chairman of BarryFest, Alhaji Laide Olawunmi (FCA), President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Barrister Ajeniyi Ajewole, and several other notable guests.
Also present were Dr. (Mrs.) Olatunde Oluyemi, Deputy Director of Education Services and Training, and other members of staff of the museum.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja (Aruna I), was represented at the ceremony by Mogaji (Dr.) Nurudeen Akinade.
Welcoming guests, the Curator and Zonal Director (South-West) of the National Museum of Unity, Mrs Otuka Pamela Oriyomi, described the honour accorded the late music legend as well deserved.
She explained that Barrister’s remarkable legacy in the music industry informed the museum’s decision to approve the request of the BarryFest Committee to erect the monument.
Expressing delight at hosting what she described as a historic gathering of leading personalities in the music and entertainment industry, she said, “I am glad to be part of this historic occasion where we have the crème de la crème of the music and entertainment industry gathered at the National Museum of Unity.
“When Ambassador Romoke Ayinde approached me with the proposal, I did not hesitate to approve it because of the enduring legacy of Dr Ayinde Barrister in the music industry. I must commend the BarryFest Committee for their commitment and excellent work.”
Mrs Oriyomi disclosed that the event coincided with activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of the National Museum of Unity.
She also commended Ambassador Romoke Ayinde, Barrister Ajewole, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun and other stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the programme.
Speaking at the event, the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, said the state government had earlier recognised and honoured Barrister’s immense contributions to culture and music during the Oyo at 50 celebrations.
According to him, Oyo State was the first to officially honour the Fuji legend during the anniversary celebrations, adding that plans were underway to immortalise him further by naming a public place after him in Ibadan.
He praised the museum curator for her dedication to cultural development and revealed that he had engaged the Director-General of the National Museum to provide additional support to accelerate developmental projects within the museum.
“The place of culture in the history of Oyo State and the Yoruba nation cannot be overemphasised,” the commissioner stated, while urging admirers and stakeholders to continue preserving and celebrating Barrister’s legacy.
In his address, Chairman of BarryFest, Alhaji Laide Olawunmi (FCA), described the occasion as a day of pride, gratitude and history, noting that the monument represented another milestone in the life and legacy of the Fuji pioneer.
“Today, history is being made once again,” he declared.
He described Barrister as a trailblazer, innovator and visionary who transformed Nigerian music and elevated Fuji to international prominence.
According to Olawunmi, Barrister was among the earliest indigenous musicians to successfully internationalise his music by taking Fuji to audiences across Europe, America and other parts of the world.
He highlighted some of the honours received by the music icon, including the national award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), the Key to the City of Providence in the United States, honorary citizenship of Rhode Island and numerous local and international recognitions.
“This monument is not merely a structure of bricks and mortar; it is a symbol of excellence, creativity, innovation and cultural pride,” he said.
Olawunmi noted that sixteen years after his death, Barrister’s influence continued to resonate across the Fuji music industry.
He appreciated the management of the National Museum, members of BarryFest, donors, supporters and friends of the late musician for making the project a reality.
Also speaking, President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Barrister Ajeniyi Ajewole, said Barrister remained a strong advocate of Yoruba culture and language through his music.
He stated that the late icon used music as a tool for teaching, entertainment and social commentary.
“His contributions to music and culture cannot be erased. Barrister deserves to be studied in our higher institutions because of his role in preserving culture and educating society,” Ajewole said.
He assured the organisers of the support of the CCII towards initiatives aimed at preserving the late musician’s legacy.
In her remarks, Ambassador Romoke Ayinde (Karomlee) expressed appreciation to the management of the National Museum of Unity for supporting cultural preservation.
She said Barrister’s music reflected virtually every aspect of human life and described him as a cultural hero whose legacy continues to inspire generations.
According to her, the programme was organised to celebrate and immortalise the legendary Fuji musician whose influence and achievements remain unmatched in the history of Fuji music.
The unveiling of the monument marked another significant moment in Nigeria’s cultural history, reaffirming the enduring legacy of the late Fuji maestro and his invaluable contributions to music, culture and society.
Also speaking, Maroof Balogun, son of the late Fuji legend, described the programme as overwhelming and urged people to always do good, saying that good deeds would make them worthy of celebration and remembrance in later life.