Culture

Governor Dapo Abiodun celebrates Ita Oba Day with Olota of Ota

Published

2 years ago

June 18, 2024

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has extended heartfelt congratulations to His Royal Majesty, Oba (Prof.) Adeyemi Abdul Kabir Obalanlege, the Olota of Otta Awori Kingdom, on the celebration of the 2024 Ita Oba Day Fiesta.

This significant event, held yesterday at the City Square, Okede, celebrates the rich culture and heritage of the Otta Awori Kingdom.

In a letter personally signed by His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun CON expressed his warm greetings and best wishes from his family, the government, and the people of Ogun State.

Governor Abiodun acknowledged the importance of Ita Oba Day in bringing together the people of Ota town to celebrate their vibrant culture and history.

“I am most delighted that this festival allows us to reflect on the journey of Ota town, deeply rooted in history, culture, and the indomitable spirit of the Ota people,” said Governor Abiodun.

He emphasized that the Ita Oba Day Fiesta serves as an opportunity to share ideas, celebrate past achievements, and look forward to future possibilities.

Governor Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to preserving cultural heritage.

He stated, “We believe that culture is not just a reflection of our past but a driving force to strengthen our identity, promote unity, and stimulate economic growth.”

He assured support for initiatives promoting tradition and tourism, creating an environment where youths and artists can thrive.

The Governor also congratulated the Olota of Ota and the organizing committee for another successful Ita Oba Day Fiesta.

He recognized Kabiyesi’s role in preserving and promoting the culture of Ota and Aworiland, wishing for continued peace and prosperity in the Ota Kingdom.

The Ita Oba Day celebration is a day set aside to pay homage to our beloved monarch, Olota of the Paramount and Ancient Ottaland, Awori Kingdom.

For many years, the annual fiesta has evolved into a vibrant celebration and convergence of tradition and glamour for Otta people. It is a special occasion where fun, excitement, and elegance intertwine with the rich and ancient traditions of the Otta Awori people.

The sons and daughters of Ottaland(Home and Diaspora) come together a day after Ileya (2nd Day of Ileya) to celebrate the annual glamorous festival tagged “Ita Oba Day Fiesta” at Olota Palace, Ipeti Square, Enu Owa, Otta, Ogun State.

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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.”