Culture

Alaafin of Oyo Plans Return of Artefacts Looted by Britain

Published

11 months ago

October 9, 2025

Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, unveils plans to repatriate royal artefacts taken by British soldiers during the 1895 Pepe War, 130 years after the invasion

Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has announced plans to repatriate historic artefacts carted away by British soldiers during the infamous Pepe War of 1895, in a major move to restore Oyo’s royal heritage.

Also read: Alaafin of Oyo Debunks Chief Imam Appointment Rumours

The monarch disclosed that several treasured items including crowns, gold, beads, and other cultural heirlooms — were taken from the ancient palace during the British invasion more than a century ago.

According to palace sources, a week-long commemoration event will be held in November to mark the 130th anniversary of the war and honour the resilience of the Oyo Empire.

The memorial activities are expected to draw global attention and serve as a platform for cultural revival and historical reflection.

The commemoration will also celebrate the courage of Alaafin Adeyemi Alowolodu I, who led his people in defiance of British imperial control on November 12, 1895.

The British, seeking to extend their influence after subduing several Yoruba kingdoms, invaded Oyo under the command of Captain Robert Lister Bower, following a dispute over traditional justice in Iseyin.

The conflict, which became known as the “Ogun Pepe” (Pepe War), erupted after Alaafin Adeyemi resisted Bower’s demand to surrender a royal messenger and an accused eunuch, asserting the sovereignty of Oyo over its internal affairs.

The British forces, armed with superior weapons, eventually subdued the city after several days of fierce resistance.

Despite being wounded, the Alaafin escaped and later returned triumphantly to the palace after peace was brokered by a Catholic bishop — a symbolic victory that cemented his legacy as a defender of Yoruba dignity and authority.

Oba Owoade said the forthcoming re-enactment of the Pepe War would honour the bravery of Oyo’s ancestors and the enduring strength of Yoruba identity.

The repatriation of the royal artefacts, he added, represents both a spiritual restoration and a historical duty.

“This commemoration is not only to remember the pain of our past but to remind us of our unbroken lineage of courage, sovereignty, and cultural pride,” a palace spokesperson said.

The Alaafin’s initiative comes at a time when several African nations are demanding the return of artefacts taken during the colonial era.

Also read: Ooni Palace Blasts Edited Video Of Alaafin Encounter At Abuja Summit

Historians and cultural advocates have hailed the move as a powerful step towards reclaiming Africa’s stolen heritage and reaffirming its place in world history.

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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.”