Culture

Alaafin of Oyo Urges Yoruba Unity for Cultural Revival

Published

10 months ago

November 22, 2025

Alaafin of Oyo urges Yoruba Unity to restore traditions and harness cultural tourism for economic diversification at the 2025 Iyake Festiva

According to organisers of the 2025 Iyake International Festival in Ado-Awaye, Oyo State, the Alaafin of Oyo Urges Yoruba Unity to restore cultural values and traditions, emphasising the economic potential of tourism-driven heritage revival.

Also read: Ooni, Alaafin Reconciliation Strengthens Yoruba Unity

Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade said Nigeria must reduce its overreliance on oil and refocus development through cultural initiatives that attract both domestic and international tourists.

The monarch highlighted that nations achieving long-term growth often do so by strengthening cultural identities, which form the foundation for sustainable development.

Citing China’s Cultural Revolution of 1965–1968 as an example, Oba Owoade noted how deliberate cultural rejuvenation can restore national pride, reshape political behaviour, and boost economic strength.

He urged the Yoruba to appreciate and project their cultural heritage confidently, stressing that cultural artifacts and festivals could be developed to meet international tourist standards, generating substantial foreign revenue.

The monarch added, “In the first instance, this stimulates rural development since most tourist attractions are located in rural communities.

Secondly, it reduces rural-urban migration and congestion in urban centres, creating employment and income opportunities for rural dwellers.”

Oba Owoade, who attended the festival alongside his Queen Consort, Ayaba Abiwunmi, praised the Yoruba for their historically rich artistic traditions, noting that vibrant economies and commercial systems provided artists with access to metals, wood, and clay, enabling creativity to flourish.

Also read: Ooni, Alaafin Launch Joint Council to Promote Unity, Cultural Preservation

The Alaafin’s call underscores the importance of cultural cohesion not only for national unity but also as a vehicle for economic diversification and development in Nigeria.

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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.”