Culture

Prince Adetunji Fadina establishes Awori museum in Ogun State to preserve cultural heritage

Published

2 years ago

November 11, 2024

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.

Also read: Olota of Otta Awori Kingdom Leads Celebration of Nigerian Culture at Vienna’s Adire Festival (Photos)

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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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.”