Culture

Urhobo monarchs visit Gbaramatu Kingdom, seek cultural ties

Published

3 years ago

October 27, 2023

A delegation of Urhobo Traditional Rulers Forum in Delta State, led by the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, His Majesty Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso, Abe I, has visited the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of the state, calling for cultural collaboration as a way of promoting tourism potentialities of the state.

Amidst a rousing reception by the troupe of traditional dancers showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Ijaw nation, the Urhobo monarchs were received in audience at the Oporoza royal palace by the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, His Majesty Oboro-Gbaraun II, Aketekpe Agadagba.

Speaking at the reception, the Uvwie traditional rulers stressed the importance of peace, noting that investors will always be attracted to communities that were hospitable, citing the example of Amsterdam which was literally built on top of water.

His Majesty Sideso, Abe I, thanked the Gbaramatu people for the warm reception, saying that it was a historical fact that people would always move from one place to another, but it was important that communities know their roots.

He stated that the visit was “the beginning of better days ahead,” promising to return to Gbaramatu kingdom alone to further savour the traditional hospitality of the Ijaws.

Also the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, His Majesty, Monday Whiskey, Udurhie I, acknowledged the massive reception for the Urhobo monarchs despite the short notice, expressing gratitude that the visit was happening during his lifetime.

He remarked that the visit had “also strengthened the ancestral roots between the Ijaws and the Urhobos, who would always remain one.”

Members of the delegation include: the Ovie of Arhawarien Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Solomon Okukeren III, and the Ovie of Agbarha-Otor Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Richard Oghenevwogaga Ebelle, Okorefe I.

Spokesman for Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, described the visit as home coming of brothers, who were once part of the Gbaran dynasty, appealing that the cordial relationship between Ijaws and the Uvwie Kingdom in particular, as well as the Urhobos, should not be broken.

Related Topics:Culture Featured Urhobo monarchs

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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.”