In a bold stand against perceived cultural appropriation, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos, has publicly rejected Nigerian-American artist Uzo Njoku’s upcoming “An Owambe Exhibition,” labeling it a disrespectful misuse of Yoruba traditions in the heart of the city he presides over.
The announcement, which surfaced amid escalating tensions over the exhibition’s title and theme, comes as Njoku’s homecoming showcase, slated for November 27, 2025, to January 22, 2026, at a venue in Ikoyi, prepares to spotlight vibrant Nigerian creativity through paintings, installations, and an art book launch.
The term “Owambe,” a Yoruba slang evoking lavish, colorful parties filled with music, dance, and opulent displays, has ignited backlash for its deep roots in Yoruba social life, with critics accusing Njoku of borrowing the concept without proper consultation or acknowledgment.
Oba Akiolu, a former Assistant Inspector-General of Police who ascended the throne in 2003, issued the rejection through a statement shared on social media platforms, echoing earlier condemnations from other Yoruba traditional leaders like HRM Oba Omotooyosi Bayo M. Akinleye, the Olukosi of Ilukosi-Ijesa.
“This exhibition spits on our sacred heritage,” Akiolu declared, vowing to rally support from Yoruba representatives across Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara, and beyond to halt the event. His intervention escalates a controversy that began in August with the exhibition’s reveal and has since snowballed into a petition garnering over 10,000 signatures demanding its cancellation.
Njoku, a Brooklyn-based visual artist known for her bold, multicultural works blending Nigerian motifs with global influences, has staunchly defended her vision.
In recent interviews, including a candid sit-down on the Jay On Air podcast, she clarified that the exhibition is not a Yoruba-specific tribute but a celebration of Lagos’s diverse creative energy.
“The show is about my artwork and Nigerian creatives in Lagos. It’s not about Yoruba cultural heritage,” she emphasized to TVC News, adding that “Owambe” was chosen to capture the “moment of celebration” unfolding in the city.
Njoku drew parallels to unchallenged artistic explorations, such as filmmaker Kayode Kasum’s 2023 Igbo-themed movie Áfàméfùnà: An Nwa Boi Story, questioning the selective outrage.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
