Culture

Yeye Osunfunmilayo Ajile Ilorin Clash Sparks Tension

Published

12 months ago

September 28, 2025

Yeye Osunfunmilayo Ajile Ilorin clash sparks fresh tension as the priestess vows not to abandon her traditional roots despite clerics’ opposition

Ajile, who holds the title Aare Olomitutu Odo Gbogbo l’Agbo of Kwara State and Atayese Worldwide, declared that “traditional religion is the first religion in Ilorin” following a heated confrontation at her residence.

Also read: Ilorin Durbar Festival boosts tourism, cultural heritage, global recognition

The incident occurred on Monday, 22 September, when clerics from Oke Odo, Danialu, and Gaa Akanbi allegedly stormed her home, demanding that she vacate the community.

Footage circulating online shows the group insisting that she relocate, while Ajile firmly resisted, citing her constitutional right to freedom of worship.

“They told me to relocate to Osun State because of my faith. But I was born here in Ilorin, raised here, and built my house here. Nobody can chase me away,” she said. Ajile further alleged that the clerics threw stones and insults before dispersing.

The priestess, who has lived in the area for more than a decade, insisted her worship had brought safety to the community, claiming drowning incidents in the local river stopped after she established her shrine.

She has since reported the matter to the police and sought support from human rights groups.

Ajile’s defiance echoes a wider struggle in Ilorin, where tensions over traditional worship are not new. In July 2023, plans for the annual Isese Festival led by Yeye Ajisekemi Olatunji were thwarted after opposition from Islamic groups and caution from the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.

The clampdown drew condemnation from Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, who described it as an attack on religious freedom.

While some traditional leaders argue that suppressing Isese amounts to disenfranchising Yoruba cultural identity, defenders of the Emir insist such measures preserve harmony in the emirate.

Also read: Durbar festival: key to cultural unity and economic growth in Ilorin

For Ajile, however, the message remains resolute. “I stood my ground because I have the constitutional right to practice any religion of my choice, as long as I don’t disturb others,” she said.

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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.”