Culture

Gov. Oyebanji Installs New Owa of Ayebode Ekiti to Boost Unity

Published

1 year ago

July 24, 2025

Gov. Biodun Oyebanji has installed the new Owa of Ayebode Ekiti, urging unity, security, and inclusive governance for grassroots development across the town

The Owa of Ayebode Ekiti has officially been installed by Governor Biodun Oyebanji. The governor, represented by Deputy Governor Mrs Monisade Afuye, urged the new traditional ruler, Oba Olusola Omolayo, to collaborate with the state government in promoting peace, security and development.

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“The role of our traditional institutions in grassroots development cannot be overstated,” Oyebanji stated during the event. “I want you to cooperate with your traditional ruler, rally round him, so that your town can witness the expected peace, unity and development during his reign.”

He advised the monarch to reach out to previous contenders for the royal stool and promote harmony in the community. Oyebanji reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and rural empowerment.

In his speech, Oba Omolayo promised to focus on community unity and development. He vowed to rekindle the hopes of his people and protect their culture and traditions through collaborative leadership.

Also read: Ekiti Governor joins throngs at Hike Ekiti, pledges investment in tourism

The stool became vacant after the death of Oba Augustine Famoroti in 2022. Oba Omolayo hails from the Aketepe royal dynasty.

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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.

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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.”