Culture

Edo Traditional Rulers Sackings Announced by Governor Okpebholo

Published

10 months ago

November 14, 2025

Governor Okpebholo removes Ososo and Ikpeshi/Egbegere monarchs, appoints regent pending consensus candidate

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has announced the Edo Traditional Rulers sackings, removing the monarchs of Ososo and Ikpeshi/Egbegere clans in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.

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The traditional rulers affected are Bamidele Obaitan of Ososo Kingdom and Zaiki Luckman Odamah III of Ikpeshi/Egbegere clan.

The Secretary to the Edo State Government, Umar Ikhlor, stated that the sacking follows a review of ongoing disputes relating to traditional leadership in both communities.

The governor revoked their appointments to ensure peace, stability, and adherence to due process. Both rulers were directed to hand over all government properties and instruments of office to the Akoko-Edo Local Government chairman immediately.

Following the removals, Governor Okpebholo approved the appointment of Nicholas Odamah as regent of the Ikpeshi/Egbegere clan.

He is tasked with overseeing the affairs of the clan in a custodial capacity while ensuring full compliance with government directives.

For the Ososo Kingdom, elders of the four quarters, the Council of Chiefs, and Ososo community leaders have been directed to consult widely and submit a consensus candidate for appointment.

The process must reflect the customs, rotational principles, and collective will of the Ososo people, with the submission to be made through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs within a timeframe to be communicated formally.

Reports indicate that Zaiki Luckman Odamah III had previously protested the appointment of Prof Roland Otaru as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, a factor that may have influenced the decision to revoke his position.

Also read: Edo State Government Partners German Film Academy for Growth

The governor’s action is framed as an effort to maintain harmony and due governance within the affected traditional institutions.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

1 week 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.”

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.”