Culture

Osun Local Government Allocation Release: Ataoja of Osogbo Demands Action Amid Political Dispute

Published

1 year ago

August 10, 2025

The Osun local government allocation release remains blocked due to political disputes between PDP and APC. Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, calls on President Bola Tinubu to release the funds

Osun local government allocation release has become a critical issue as funds meant for local government areas have been trapped in the Central Bank of Nigeria since February due to a political clash between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Also read: Osun Osogbo Festival 2025 Begins with Blessings, Royal Prayers

The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, has strongly called for the release of these seized allocations.

Speaking at the grand finale of the 2025 Osun-Osogbo Cultural Festival, the monarch declared his readiness to join other traditional rulers in meeting President Bola Tinubu to address the matter.

He emphasized the need for unity among monarchs from different areas and reminded the government of Osun’s political loyalty to the President.

Oba Oyetunji stated, “Tinubu should release our money. I also want to send those who have the chance to speak to the President to tell him to release the money owed Osun State to our governor. Once he does that, when it’s time for the election, I will be there.”

The dispute stems from conflicting court rulings over local government chairmanships. While the APC-backed chairmen elected in 2022 were reinstated by the Court of Appeal, the PDP insists the 2025 elected executives are the legitimate leaders.

This tussle has stalled local council administration and blocked financial allocations.

Deputy Governor Adewusi, representing Governor Ademola Adeleke at the event, assured continued government investment in cultural sites to boost state revenues.

Meanwhile, Areonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, urged South-West states to develop eco-tourism based on culture and tradition, citing historical sites like the Oodua Grove and Alaafin’s palace as untapped global attractions.

He called on tourism ministries to elevate these destinations to international standards, potentially transforming regional economies and correcting global misconceptions about Africa.

Also read: Osun Extravaganza Mega Expo Set to Redefine Tourism in Nigeria

The call for the Osun local government allocation release highlights ongoing tensions in state politics but also underscores a broader vision for economic growth through cultural pride and tourism development.

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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.”