Culture

Oyo Mesi members present during my Ifa consultation — Prof Wande Abimbol

Published

2 years ago

January 20, 2025

Oyo Mesi, Ifa consultation, Alaafin stool, Wande Abimbol, Yoruba tradition

Prof Wande Abimbol clarifies that Oyo Mesi members were present when he consulted Ifa for guidance on the Alaafin stool

In a recent statement, Professor Wande Abimbol, a prominent scholar and key figure in the ongoing discussions surrounding the Alaafin stool, has addressed claims regarding his consultation with Ifa.

Also read: New Alaafin of Oyo begins 21-days traditional rites

According to Abimbol, members of the Oyo Mesi, the council of chiefs that traditionally assists in the selection of the Alaafin of Oyo, were present when he sought guidance from Ifa, the Yoruba divination system.

The Alaafin stool, one of the most revered and influential traditional positions in Yoruba culture, has been a subject of much debate in recent years.

The process of selecting a new Alaafin has seen various tensions and disputes over the years, particularly surrounding who has the final authority in the selection process.

Abimbol’s comments provide insight into the traditional steps taken to ensure that the selection of the new ruler is in line with Yoruba customs.

According to Abimbol, the Oyo Mesi’s presence during his Ifa consultation underscores the importance of tradition and proper consultation in the selection of the Alaafin.

He further emphasised the significance of Ifa’s role in providing spiritual guidance during the process, which is deeply rooted in Yoruba religion and cultural heritage.

“The Oyo Mesi members were not only present but were actively involved in ensuring that the Ifa consultation process was thorough and respected,” Abimbol said.

His comments aim to clarify previous misunderstandings and assert that all necessary steps in line with Yoruba customs were followed.

Ifa, a central component of the Yoruba belief system, is consulted to gain insight into important decisions, such as leadership selection.

The consultation is believed to offer divine guidance on the best course of action for the community. Abimbol’s remarks highlight the significance of incorporating this spiritual aspect into the decision-making process for leadership roles like the Alaafin.

The issue surrounding the Alaafin stool has been further complicated by competing interests within the Oyo Mesi and the wider Yoruba community.

However, Abimbol’s statement serves as a reminder of the importance of honouring tradition and the collective decision-making process that ensures stability in the region.

As discussions continue regarding the future of the Alaafin stool, Abimbol’s clarification may serve to reassure the people of Oyo that the processes remain anchored in the time-honoured customs of the Yoruba people.

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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.”