Culture

Olubadan of Ibadanland Elevates Five Traditional Chiefs

Published

10 months ago

November 11, 2025

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, elevates five chiefs in his first official palace ceremony, marking a historic event in Oyo State

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Friday, officially elevated five traditional chiefs in the Olubadan line in a ceremony held at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan North Local Government Area, Oyo State.

Also read: Olubadan of Ibadanland Unveils Economic Revival Team

This event marked the first official traditional function performed by the 44th Olubadan since his ascension following the passing of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on July 7, 2025, at the age of 90.

Among those elevated, Oba Eddy Oyewole-Foko, previously Osi Olubadan, was promoted to Otun Olubadan. Oba Kola Daisi, formerly Asipa Olubadan, became Osi Olubadan, while Oba Hamidu Ajibade, formerly Ekerin Olubadan, was promoted to Asipa Olubadan.

Additionally, Oba Muritala Akande, the Ekarun Olubadan, was elevated to Ekerin Olubadan, and Chief Kola Babalola, previously Abese Olubadan, was promoted to Ekarun Olubadan.

The ceremony was attended by notable personalities including former Minister of Sports, Prof Taoheed Adedoja, and Dolapo Osinbajo, wife of a former Vice President.

Members of the Olubadan-in-Council, Iyalode-in-Council, traditional chiefs, Mogajis, and other dignitaries from across Nigeria were also present.

Also read: Olubadan of Ibadanland Says His Rise Was Divine

The elevation of these chiefs under Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, signals continuity in traditional governance and strengthens the hierarchical structure of Ibadanland’s revered chieftaincy system.

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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.”