Culture

Sultan of Sokoto Arrives in Ibadan for Olubadan Coronation

Published

12 months ago

September 26, 2025

Sultan of Sokoto arrives in Ibadan for the coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan, adding prestige to the historic ceremony

Sultan of Sokoto arrives in Ibadan ahead of the coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, lending national significance to the historic event.

Also read: Ooni of Ife Pays Courtesy Visit to Olubadan-Designate Rashidi Ladoja

His arrival was confirmed in a statement released on Thursday by his palace media team, noting that the plane carrying the Sultan touched down at 2:50 pm.

He was accompanied by senior counsellor of the Sultanate Council, Sokoto, and District Head of Kilgori, His Royal Highness Dr Mohammed Jabi Kilgori.

The Sultan, who is also co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), was warmly received at the airport by Oyo State Commissioner for Works, Alhaji Mojeed Mogbonjubola, Deputy President-General NSCIA (South), Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, and MUSWEN Executive Secretary, Professor Muslih Yahaya.

The coronation of Oba Ladoja is scheduled to climax a week-long programme of cultural and religious activities at the historic Mapo Hall ground.

Chief Bayo Oyero, chairman of the Coronation Planning and Organising Committee, said the events were designed to showcase Ibadan’s inclusive and vibrant heritage.

According to Oyero, the programme began on Monday, September 22, with inter-religious prayers, a cultural fiesta, a coronation lecture and a thanksgiving service.

He described Oba Ladoja’s ascension as “a journey of many years, guided by the wisdom of our ancestors,” stressing that his experience as a senator, governor, businessman and administrator positions him to lead Ibadan into “a new era of progress, peace and prosperity.”

The Sultan’s presence underscores both cultural unity and religious symbolism.

Also read: Oyo Restricts Traffic for Olubadan Rashidi Ladoja’s Coronation Ceremony

As leader of Nigeria’s Muslim community, his participation lends spiritual blessing and national prestige to what promises to be one of the most memorable coronations in Ibadan’s history.

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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.”