Events

Abimbola Owoade crowned 46th Alaafin of Oyo in grand ceremony

Published

1 year ago

April 5, 2025

Abimbola Owoade crowned as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo at a grand ceremony in Oyo after nearly three years of the throne being vacant

After nearly three years of anticipation, Prince Abimbola Owoade has been officially crowned as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, restoring leadership to one of Yoruba land’s most revered thrones.

The coronation ceremony took place on Saturday at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo, drawing a gathering of royalty, dignitaries, and cultural enthusiasts from across Nigeria.

The new monarch ascends the throne following the death of his predecessor, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who passed away on 22 April 2022 after a 52-year reign.

Owoade’s formal installation was graced by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who earlier presented the staff and instrument of office to the new Alaafin at a ceremonial gathering at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan on Monday, 13 January 2025.

The coronation ceremony saw the attendance of notable Yoruba traditional rulers, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi; and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams.

Oba Owoade had earlier completed the traditional Oro Ipebi rites, a sacred 21-day seclusion for spiritual and cultural preparation, concluding on Saturday, 29 March.

Security at the venue was notably tight, with law enforcement ensuring the smooth conduct of the historical event, which saw cultural displays, royal processions, and jubilation from the Oyo people who welcomed their new king with pride and joy.

The ascension of Oba Owoade is expected to usher in a new era of cultural renaissance, unity, and development for the ancient Oyo Kingdom, once the seat of one of the most powerful empires in West Africa.

With the throne of Alaafin restored, all eyes now turn to the new monarch’s vision for preserving tradition while navigating the demands of modern governance and youth engagement within his domain.

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Rechael Okonkwo’s Carnival Brings Free Healthcare to 5,000 Residents

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1 week ago

September 2, 2026

Mariam Balogun

Rechael Okonkwo’s carnival provided free healthcare to over 5,000 Nsukka residents, alongside support for widows and children (more…)

Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

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Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

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Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”