Culture

Osun Deputy Governor supports Traditional Oath Taking With Cutlasses, Guns For Politicians

Published

2 years ago

April 25, 2024

The Deputy Governor of Osun State, Kola Adewusi, has sparked controversy by suggesting that politicians should consider taking their oath of office using traditional symbols like cutlasses and guns.

Adewusi made these remarks during the inauguration of the Executive Committee of the Traditional Religion Worshippers Association in Osun State (TRAWSO) on Tuesday.

Representing the Deputy Governor at the event, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Abiodun Ojo, conveyed Adewusi’s sentiments, stating that employing traditional oath-taking practices could potentially combat corruption within the political system.

Ojo emphasized that if utilizing traditional symbols such as guns and cutlasses could lead to a more ethical society, it’s a concept worth exploring.

Dr. Oluseyi Atanda, re-elected Chairman of TRAWSO, echoed similar sentiments, urging politicians to embrace traditional oath-taking ceremonies as a means to deter corruption.

Atanda challenged political leaders to reconnect with their cultural heritage and embrace traditional practices, emphasising that traditional oath-taking is not inherently nefarious but rather a reflection of cultural values.

Akonitv reports that the suggestion by the Deputy Governor has ignited debates across the state, with some viewing it as a radical yet innovative approach to tackle corruption, while others express concerns about the implications of introducing weapons into the oath-taking process.

Critics argue that such a proposal may undermine the sanctity of the political office and promote violence in governance, while supporters believe it could instill a greater sense of accountability among politicians.

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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.”

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.”