Culture

Yul Edochie Traditional Rulers Remark Sparks Emotional Debate on Igbo Customs

Published

1 year ago

July 2, 2025

Yul Edochie traditional rulers appeal urges return to ancestral Igbo customs, rejecting government interference and elections in monarch selection

Yul Edochie traditional rulers appeal has triggered widespread reactions after the controversial Nollywood actor urged the Igbo community to return to ancestral methods of selecting traditional leaders.

Also read: Ekiti traditional rulers pledge to support Oyebanji on tourism development

In a passionate Instagram post, Edochie criticised the increasing use of elections and political influence in the installation of monarchs across Igbo land.

The actor and filmmaker, who has never shied away from controversy, insisted that only the deities and age-old customs should determine who wears the crown.

“A traditional ruler must be selected traditionally, not by election or the government. He must be a core traditionalist,” he declared.

Edochie warned that entrusting traditional leadership to modern political systems weakens the sacred institutions and values that once held communities together.

He lamented the erosion of indigenous identity and spiritual connection, blaming it for the growing levels of disorder and crime.

“We have embraced too many of the white man’s ways and destroyed our society with it. That’s why there’s so much crime in our communities today,” he wrote.

His words resonated with some who feel that traditional institutions have lost their legitimacy due to political interference.

In the post, Edochie described what he believed to be the proper process of choosing a traditional ruler. According to him, the deity of the land must play a central role in the selection.

The chosen leader must then take an oath before the gods, pledging to uphold truth, peace, and unity.

He further stated, “A traditional ruler must be selected by the deity of the land. Then he will swear before the deity… Any day he goes against the oath, the deity will strike him down.”

He argued that such divine accountability ensures rulers serve the people honourably.

His appeal has reignited conversations around the authenticity and relevance of traditional institutions in modern Nigeria. Critics of the current system argue that monarchs are now often installed based on political affiliations, wealth, or manipulation, not community consensus or ancestral tradition.

Supporters of Edochie’s view say that a return to spiritual selection would eliminate corrupt leaders and restore community trust. However, others feel that integrating democratic principles offers checks and balances that prevent abuses of power.

This is not the first time Edochie has courted controversy over traditional or religious matters. He previously made headlines for claiming a divine calling to lead a revival of ancestral worship in Nigeria.

His recent remarks have once again divided public opinion between those who admire his boldness and those who see his ideas as impractical or regressive.

“This idea of rulers taking oaths before the gods could bring back honesty in leadership,” said one follower. “Modern politics has made everything a business.”

Another user disagreed, calling Edochie’s view “dangerous” and “backward,” warning that a return to spiritualism could open the door to exploitation.

Nonetheless, the actor’s comments have opened an emotional national debate, especially among the Igbo who value both tradition and modern governance.

Many communities continue to struggle with the balance between respecting their roots and adapting to democratic governance.

As traditional leadership remains a crucial part of cultural identity in Nigeria, the method of selecting monarchs may remain a contentious issue for years to come.

Also read: Ooni Charges Government On Constitutional Roles For Traditional Rulers Over Insecurity

Whether Edochie’s vision will inspire any meaningful change is yet to be seen, but his voice has once again stirred the waters of cultural discourse.

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Culture

OLOJO….Ile Ife’s September Gift To Culture

Published

2 weeks ago

October 5, 2026

Mariam Balogun

By Halima Adaba,

It was a featubal if the people. It was for the anciebt town of Ile Ife, which the Yoruba race refards as the Source.

Also read: Olojo Festival 2026: Ooni Urges Leaders to Prioritise Citizens

And ut was a festivsl for the King, Arole Oduduwa, Oonirisa, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.

And so between September 24 and 28th 2026, the annual featuval dazzjed in all its white glory.

Tge Monarch paid the traditional ancestral homage and offered propitiation as part of the sacred rites of the Olojo Festival.
It was a powerful expression of Yoruba heritage, spirituality, and enduring tradition.

Call it a collection of beautiful moments, faces, colours and cultural expressions.

Every frame tells a story.

Every face carries the energy.

Every moment keeps the heritage alive.

Undoubtedly one of the most sacred cultural celebrations in Ilé-Ifẹ̀. It marked a day associated with creation, thanksgiving, ancestral heritage, and the sacred appearance of the Ooni of Ife wearing the revered Aàrẹ crown.

There were also the devotees of the famed god of thunder – Sàngó who were hardly conspicuous at the festival.

Many other traditional groups came out with candor, showing a powerful expression of Yoruba cultural identity, spiritual devotion, and respect for the ancient traditions of Ilé-Ifẹ̀.

Devotees of Sàngó bekieved the ‘appearance’ of the god of thunder on Seotember 26th could be understood as a symbolic meeting of ancestral heritage, spiritual devotion, and the celebration of creation.

It was a moment when the sounds of drums, chants, and traditional praise poetry brought the history of the Yoruba people to life.

Although Olojo is closely associated with Ogun, the god of iron, and the sacred traditions of Ile-Ife, the presence of Sàngó devotees reflected the rich diversity of Yoruba spiritual heritage.

Also read: Olojo Festival 2026: Ooni Urges Leaders to Prioritise Citizens

As a participant enthused at the festival, “To witness Sàngó Olúkòso emerge on Olojo Festival day is to witness a living expression of history, identity, and ancestral pride.”

Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 months 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.”