Culture

Alaafin of Oyo orders dissolution of unauthorized coronation committee

Published

2 years ago

January 29, 2025

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owode I, has ordered the dissolution of an unauthorized coronation committee, warning that any related activities must be approved by his office

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owode I, has directed the immediate dissolution of an unauthorized coronation committee formed without his approval.

Also read: New Alaafin of Oyo begins 21-days traditional rites

In a statement issued on Wednesday from Ibadan, the monarch clarified that any further meetings or activities related to the committee would be considered illegal and prohibited.

Oba Owode emphasized that all committees or events related to his coronation must receive prior approval from his office.

He warned the public and the organisers that no consent had been granted for the committee and that any related actions would not be tolerated.

The statement, titled *“Coronation Committee Setup in Oyo Town—Notice of Cease & Desist”*, stated, “Let it be known to all and sundry that any committee or activity being set up or promoted without the prior consent and approval of His Imperial Majesty and his office shall be deemed unauthorized and will not be allowed to exist.”

The monarch also instructed all individuals involved in the unauthorized committee to cease any involvement immediately.

He made it clear that any fundraising efforts for the coronation would be at the discretion of the royal family, with the official committee to be determined by the family should the need arise.

Oba Owode further expressed appreciation for the efforts of the organisers, noting that they would be informed of any necessary contributions as events unfold.

However, he reiterated that any coronation-related initiatives must be cleared by his office before being publicly announced.

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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.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

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.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

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.”