Prince Adetunji Fadina inaugurates Awori Museum in Ogun, celebrating and preserving Awori heritage with interactive exhibitions and historical displays.
Prince Adetunji Fadina, a passionate advocate for cultural preservation and son of the former Olota of Ota, has announced the establishment of a museum dedicated to celebrating and preserving Awori heritage.
Named the *Oba Timothy Oloyede Fadina Centre for Awori Art, Culture and History*, the museum is located in Ota, Ogun State, and is set for inauguration in January 2025.
Prince Fadina shared that the museum honours his late father, Oba Timothy Oloyede Fadina, and aims to serve as a cultural hub to educate visitors on the significance of the Awori people in Nigerian history.
Known as the original inhabitants of Lagos State and parts of Ogun State, the Awori are a prominent subgroup of the Yoruba, distinguished by their unique dialect and rich heritage.
The museum, set for a public dry run in December 2024, will feature a wide array of cultural artefacts and interactive exhibitions, making it an educational and immersive experience for visitors.
Prince Fadina shared that the museum was inspired by cultural preservation models in South Africa and Gambia, designed to leave “a lasting legacy” for future generations.
“It is a deliberate investment in the cultural future of our people, built to resonate deeply and endure for generations to come,” he said.
The *Oba Timothy Oloyede Fadina Centre* will not only feature historical information about the Awori kingdom’s four divisions—Otun, Osi, Ijana, and Oruba—but will also include a Hall of Fame, honouring figures who have significantly contributed to the growth of the Awori Kingdom.
Notable inductees include Chief Michael Olawale-Cole, former President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State.
In addition to historical exhibits, the museum will include a local kitchen featuring traditional Awori dishes such as Omoyo and Dundu-cocoa to introduce visitors to the kingdom’s unique cuisine.
A second building on the premises will house a VIP lounge and a 3D virtual experience of the museum, providing an immersive experience for international visitors.
The Dinat Institute, affiliated with the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), will also be housed within the centre, offering courses in catering, hospitality, and tourism to foster local talent.
Traditional Awori songs such as *Agasha* will fill the museum’s halls, capturing the essence and stories of the Awori people, while visual displays feature previous Olota of Ota and other Awori monarchs.
Prince Fadina envisions this museum as a crucial platform for cultural education and preservation, aimed at fostering a deep appreciation for Awori heritage among younger generations and tourists alike.
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