Culture

Olowo Defends Traditional Institution, Urges Upholding of Ancient Practices

Published

1 year ago

July 19, 2025

Olowo defends traditional institution, insisting kings must uphold ancient practices and traditions or decline the throne, calling tradition sacred and optional

Olowo defends traditional institution and insists that anyone unwilling to abide by its ancient practices should not accept to be a king.

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Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, who is also Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers, made the statement during a colloquium in Akure, marking the 10th coronation anniversary of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi.

The monarch was reacting to criticisms by Dr Festus Adedayo, who claimed that many monarchs had abandoned the myths and sacred values associated with their roles, weakening their impact on nation building.

Adedayo argued that traditional rulers should remain sacred symbols, respected for their mystical and cultural legacy. He said, “The traditional institution must redeem itself if it wants to be taken seriously.

One of the myths is in the comportment of kings, their sacred perception by the populace and upholding of the process of burial of kings passed on from ancient times.”

In response, Oba Ogunoye cautioned against generalisations. He urged critics to name specific monarchs who stray from tradition rather than discrediting the entire institution.

“You should be able to identify specific individuals that have violated the traditional institution and make specific allegations against them instead of generalising it,” he said.

He added, “If you want to be an Oba, be an Oba. If you do not want to practice what it entails, you have the option not to accept to be an Oba. It is not by force.”

The Olowo praised the Oyo State government for its adherence to custom in the recent Alaafin enthronement.

He noted that his long palace experience prepared him for the role, and said, “I have not observed anything repugnant in our tradition. Let us understand that there is nothing repugnant about our tradition.”

Also read: Ooni of Ife warns against choosing poor traditional rulers

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, in his keynote address, described traditional rulers as “pillars of identity, legitimacy and cohesion.” He urged governments to see the institution as central to nation building.

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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.

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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.”

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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.”