Culture

Yoruba Cultural Preservation: Oluwo, YCE Unite for Reform

Published

1 year ago

August 7, 2025

Yoruba Cultural Preservation gains traction as Oluwo and Yoruba Council of Elders unite to protect ancestral land, promote reform, and safeguard traditions

Yoruba Cultural Preservation received a major boost on Wednesday as the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, and the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) pledged to work together to safeguard the heritage, traditions, and ancestral lands of the Yoruba people.

Also read: Oluwo Names Daughter After Only Female Olofin Adimula, Luwo Gbagida

The meeting, held at the Oluwo’s palace in Iwo, Osun State, was led by the YCE National President, Chief Ajibade Oyekan.

The high-level engagement focused on strengthening cultural identity, curbing land encroachment, and detaching deity worship from Yoruba tradition.

Oba Akanbi, a vocal proponent of cultural modernization, emphasized that true Yoruba Cultural Preservation does not equate to idolatry. “Culture is not religion. I stand for a clean, progressive Yoruba culture that promotes love, dignity, and respect,” he stated.

He also urged the elders to caution monarchs making unverified historical claims, especially those attributing the origins of other ethnic groups to the Yoruba, calling such statements divisive and unproductive.

The monarch declared that no land had been sold under his reign, reinforcing his stance against land grabbing—a growing issue in Yorubaland.

“I see myself as a cleaner. We must clean our house. I’m ready to work with YCE to sanitize and unify the Yoruba race,” Oba Akanbi added, showing readiness for bold reform.

In response, Chief Oyekan praised the Oluwo’s transparency and commitment, noting that the meeting aimed to foster harmony among monarchs and protect Yoruba territories from infiltration and illegal acquisitions.

“Even culture is dynamic. Our monarchs must adapt to modern realities while holding firm to cultural pride,” Oyekan stressed.

The Yoruba Cultural Preservation dialogue also explored the separation of faith from culture, with both parties agreeing that such distinction can revive tourism, strengthen identity, and modernize traditional governance.

Also read: Preservation of Lagos History Key to Cultural Identity, Fashola Declares

This united front signals a renewed determination to protect Yoruba identity, ensuring it evolves meaningfully—without losing its soul.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

1 week 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.”