Culture

Former President of Ghana John Dramani Mahama Visits Ooni of Ife in Osun

Published

12 months ago

October 7, 2025

John Dramani Mahama visits the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, in Ile-Ife after the Oloja Festival celebrating Yoruba-Ga historical ties

John Dramani Mahama, former President of Ghana, has paid a courtesy visit to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi – Ojaja II, at his Ile Oodua Palace in Ilé-Ifẹ̀, Osun State.

Also read: Queen Chanel Akanbi Denies Ties to Ooni in Marriage Reports

The visit underscored the enduring cultural and historical ties between the peoples of Ghana and Yorubaland, particularly the Ga community of Ghana, who trace their ancestral roots to the ancient city of Ife.

The former Ghanaian leader was warmly received by the monarch and his royal entourage, where discussions reportedly focused on strengthening pan-African unity, cultural heritage, and tourism collaboration between both nations.

Mahama’s visit came shortly after the Ooni successfully concluded the annual Oloja Festival, a grand celebration that drew participants of Yoruba descent and visitors from across the world.

The event, held with colourful displays of tradition, music, and dance, also featured dignitaries from Ghana and other African countries.

The Ooni, who is widely regarded as a leading advocate of African cultural renaissance, expressed his delight at Mahama’s visit, describing it as a symbol of kinship and shared heritage.

He noted that the ties between the Yoruba and Ga people are an enduring reminder of Africa’s interconnected past and a call to preserve cultural values amid globalisation.

For his part, Mahama praised the Ooni’s efforts in promoting peace, cultural diplomacy, and tourism, commending Ile-Ife as “a living archive of Africa’s civilisation and unity.”

Also read: Ooni of Ife Olojo Festival 2025 Prayers Inspire Hope

The visit concluded with exchange of gifts and prayers for continued friendship between Nigeria and Ghana, as well as a renewed commitment to using culture as a bridge for regional cooperation and prosperity.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

1 month 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.”