Culture

Olubadan in Council Begins Installation Process For Oba Ladoja After Mourning

Published

1 year ago

July 9, 2025

Olubadan-in-Council begins installation process for Oba Rashidi Ladoja as 21-day mourning period for late monarch Oba Olakulehin commences in Ibadan

Members of the Olubadan-in-Council have commenced traditional arrangements for the installation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as the city enters a 21-day mourning period in honour of the late monarch, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

Also read: Olubadan Succession: Ladoja Set to Ascend Throne after Oba Olakulehin’s Passing

The mourning, which began on Tuesday, follows age-old customs in Ibadanland.

The late Olubadan passed away early Monday after a brief illness. He reportedly died at a private hospital located in Jericho, Ibadan.

Although Oba Ladoja was out of town at the time the news broke, a source close to the palace confirmed that he has received numerous condolence calls from notable dignitaries across the country.

“Baba is returning to Ibadan next week,” the source revealed.

“He will take necessary steps towards the traditional process once he is back.”

The Balogun Olubadan, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, who stands as the most senior chief on the Balogun line, is expected to nominate Oba Ladoja formally.

This is a sacred tradition. We mourn, we reflect, and then we move forward with dignity.

His nomination will be seconded by the Osi Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole, at a forthcoming meeting yet to be scheduled.

The council gathering is anticipated to take place at the new Olubadan palace in Oke-Aremo, located within the Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State.

As tradition dictates, the 21-day mourning period must be observed before any official installation can occur.

During this time, palace activities are subdued and public events related to the throne are put on hold.

Ibadan residents have expressed mixed emotions—mourning the late Oba Olakulehin while anticipating the return of Oba Ladoja, a respected elder and statesman.

Speaking to The PUNCH, a community elder said, “This is a sacred tradition. We mourn, we reflect, and then we move forward with dignity.”

Also read: Ogbomoso Cultural Tourism Development Sparks Unforgettable Progress amid High Hopes

The Olubadan-in-Council begins installation process only after all cultural rites have been completed, a reminder of the strong customs that continue to define the ancient city.

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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.”