Culture

Osun Governor presents staff of office to Owa Obokun amidst royal family frotests

Published

2 years ago

December 30, 2024

Osun Governor presents staff of office Owa Obokun

Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke presents the staff of office to Oba Clement Haastrup, amidst protests from royal families over his selection as Owa Obokun.

On Sunday, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke officially presented the staff of office to Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, the newly elected Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland.

The presentation came after weeks of objections from royal families within the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House, who had strongly criticised the appointment.

Also read: BON Awards: Governor Adeleke Unveils Creative Industry Agenda

The Ofokutu and Arimoro royal families, both part of the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House, had raised concerns about the selection process and accused the state government of favouring Oba Haastrup.

The royal families, in separate statements, threatened to take legal action, claiming that the selection was manipulated.

These protests followed the Friday evening approval by Governor Adeleke, who had confirmed Haastrup’s appointment after he was elected by the kingmakers earlier that day.

During the presentation, Governor Adeleke congratulated Oba Haastrup and urged him to work towards uniting the Ijesa people for the development of the region and the state.

The governor highlighted the importance of collaboration in advancing the goals of Ijesaland, stressing that the government alone cannot carry the responsibility for development.

“I urge you to rally round all citizens of Ijesaland for the development of the area and the state at large,” Governor Adeleke said in his speech.

“I also encourage you to use your wealth of experience and extensive contacts to attract more progress to the region. There is much work to be done, and it requires the efforts of everyone.”

Governor Adeleke also took the opportunity to emphasise his administration’s ongoing projects in Ijesaland, calling on Ijesa sons and daughters to continue to invest in the region’s growth.

Oba Haastrup, who was elected as the new Owa Obokun, previously served as the Deputy Governor of Osun State under the late Isiaka Adeleke, the first Executive Governor of Osun State, and elder brother to the current governor.

His appointment marks a significant moment in the political and royal landscape of Ijesaland, though it has sparked controversy among the royal families.

As the new monarch, Oba Haastrup faces the challenge of uniting the people of Ijesaland and addressing the concerns of the royal families, as well as leading the region towards future growth and prosperity.

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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.”