Culture

Ifa Council backs new Alaafin, warns against ‘Emir’ imposter

Published

1 year ago

April 10, 2025

The International Council for Ifa Religion expresses confidence in the new Alaafin of Oyo to safeguard Yoruba culture, while warning against a self-proclaimed ’emir’

The International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR) has voiced strong confidence in the newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, expressing optimism that he will diligently protect the sanctity of Yoruba cultural and traditional values.

Also read: New Alaafin plans palace renovation to preserve Oyo heritage

Members of the council underscored the critical importance of maintaining the global respect that the Yoruba tribe rightfully commands.

They acknowledged the commendable efforts of the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who they noted strived to uphold Yoruba tradition in the face of various challenges.

In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by the President of the council, Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode, the ICIR extended its congratulations to the 46th Alaafin.

Simultaneously, the council urged the new monarch to exercise caution regarding a specific traditional ruler in the Southwest region who has reportedly been presenting himself as “an emir.”

According to the ICIR, this particular individual represents an unwelcome intrusion into the established Yoruba monarchical ascension processes and traditions.

“The members of ICIR are overwhelmed with joy over the successful installation of Oba Owoade I, Elewuetu, as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo Kingdom,” the council stated.

“Your ascension, following the respected tenure of the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, is seen as a reflection of Eledumare’s divine plan to continue utilising the Oyo Kingdom for the emancipation and preservation of traditional Yoruba beliefs and religion.”

The ICIR statement directly addressed the new Alaafin, saying, “Kabiyesi, kindly stay away from the interloper who was mistakenly recognised as a Yoruba traditional ruler but has regrettably turned himself into an ’emir’ and has been actively attacking our cherished traditions.”

Concluding their statement, the ICIR pledged their unwavering support towards protecting the revered throne of the Alaafin and the core Yoruba values that are essential for continuing to uphold the high level of respect accorded to Yoruba tradition and culture across the globe.

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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.”