Culture

Ooni of Ife Slams Oluwo of Iwo over Yoruba Origin

Published

12 months ago

September 24, 2025

Ooni of Ife slams Oluwo of Iwo over claim that Ile-Ife is not the cradle of the Yoruba, dismissing the monarch’s controversial remarks

The Iwo monarch, known for his outspoken views, made the remarks in a Facebook video while conferring a chieftaincy title.

Also read: Yoruba Cultural Preservation: Oluwo, YCE Unite for Reform

Flanked by his chiefs, Oba Akanbi argued that the language spoken in Ile-Ife differs from mainstream Yoruba and insisted the town lacks authentic Yoruba culture.

“Ife is not the origin of the Yoruba race. Those people don’t speak our language. Their language is different. They refer to God as Eledumare, and there is nothing like Eledumare in the Yoruba language.

What we have is Olodumare,” he said. He further claimed: “I am the Arole Olodumare because I am here to tell you the true history.”

In a swift reaction, the Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, dismissed the statement, describing it as unworthy of serious attention.

“No reasonable person will react to Oluwo’s comments,” he said, noting that the palace preferred to focus on issues capable of uniting the Yoruba rather than dividing them.

The exchange comes amid recurring disputes among Yoruba monarchs over history and authority.

Only last month, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, clashed with the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, after conferring the title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland on an Ibadan businessman.

The Alaafin claimed exclusive rights to bestow titles covering the entire Yoruba nation and gave the Ooni a 48-hour ultimatum to revoke the title.

The Ooni’s camp rejected the ultimatum outright, stressing that such contests over history and titles should be left to the “court of public opinion.”

Also read: Ooni of Ife festival levy sparks religious tension

Observers say the latest flare-up between Ife and Iwo further underscores the enduring sensitivities around Yoruba history, heritage, and the roles of traditional rulers in defining them.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

1 week 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.”