Osun State Governor 'orders' logo design competition following the public bashing of the new logo he assented to; best design to be announced on April 28
Per the announcement, contestants are expected to take inspiration for their entry from the content and style of the publicly bashed logo.
Governor Adeleke, the governor of Osun State has ‘ordered’ a logo design competition for a fresh logo after a new logo he assented to received public bashing.
The announcement stated, “Following his assent to a bill for change of Osun State logo, Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed the holding of a logo crafting competition to hold between April 19th and 26th.”
With no proper brief, judging criteria or method to determine the winning design, or a stated prize for the winning entry, the announcement noted that “the best design will be announced on April 28.”
Per the announcement, contestants are expected to take inspiration for their entry from the content and style of the publicly bashed logo.
“Those submitting a design are to take into account the prototype logo in terms of its contents and style. The submission is to be made to the Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment. The best design to be announced on April 28 is to be finally, fully unveiled on April 30th during the new edition of Ipade Imole,” the statement reads.
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The back story
On Wednesday, the official page of the state on X (formerly Twitter) announced that the Governor has assented to a bill adopting a new logo for Osun state.
Following the reveal of the new logo, the public, especially designers, were disappointed with the design of the new logo.
One comment remarked, “I am not judgmental at all with design. I am the type to say ‘it depends… there are different ways to look at these things’… I am a very open-minded commentator on design but… THIS IS THE WORST LOGO EVER! No ifs, buts, maybes…”
In an honest assessment of the logo I wrote yesterday, I noted, “While the effort by the state government to take on such an audacious project is commendable, the result is horrendous, considering the number of talented designers and creatives available in the state.”
Following the public backlash, the Governor ‘ordered’ a logo design competition to determine a new logo that would be adopted and unveiled later this month.
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Reaction to the Logo Competition
As expected, the announcement of the competition has been met with several reactions.
“Governor Adeleke should contract the job to people/company thats competent. This is 2024 not 2015,” X user, Abiodun A. Adeleke, wrote. Another comment called it a “Good initiative.”
“I don't understand? After approving one, you people are just calling for a competition?” says another comment.
“Regardless of the backlash it is getting, this is a net positive. A ridiculous logo was initially put out, and we expressed our displeasure. Now: the govt has asked us to showcase our creativity in helping them fix their lack of it. Why then is this backlash?” X user, DibiaErnesto, commented.
“At the end of the day what you'll decide as the best or chosen logo would be a terrible logo. You guys are not design expert to know what good logo is. Also the era of competition like these needs to end. Creative work are not meagre jobs,” X user, PeterROCK, wrote .
Another X user, O_Gbemiro, wrote, “First, it is important to commend the government for acknowledging that the previous logo could have been better, and the two tweets after that show that, at least, they are interested in getting something better.”
He added; “However, this is a chance to do a great work rebranding the state. A full overhaul in terms of messaging, colours, tone, look & feel, a brand system etc. and running a competition will be popular, but will not cut it.
“The Governor Adeleke’s administration prides itself as different, and that it brought light, imole to the state. Salaries and gratuities paid, and many other infrastructure plans on the way. This is a chance to build the brand part of the governance conversation.
“Make us forget those former “uniform images” in our head when it comes to describing Osun. Choose colours that align with the heritage, with beautiful stories to go with it. This colours can reflect on buses, classrooms, documents etc. A brand system.
“Branding also includes keeping to your campaign promises of socio-economic development of the state. Showcasing in clear terms a readiness to engage with development partners to bring “light to the state”.
“Yeah, to me, look and feel, is usually the external part of branding. A message, or story has to guide it. So, when you see the colours, or visuals, you can immediately connect to the heart that is powering it. Welldone to the team Osun State Gov led by Governor Adeleke,” he concluded.
