Oba of Lagos urges Sanwo-Olu to stop ‘Owambe Exhibition’ to prevent violence
Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Akiolu, has urged the Babajide Sanwo-Olu government to take action regarding a petition by the Yoruba Youth Council (YCC) against an upcoming event titled “An Owambe Exhibition”.
Mr Akiolu disclosed this in a letter dated September 24, 2025, which was addressed to the commissioner for tourism, arts and culture, Toke Benson-Awoyika, and the special adviser to Mr Sanwo-Olu on tourism, arts and culture, Idris Aregbe.
The organisers, led by Uzo Njoko, a Nigerian-American contemporary artist, were said to have ignored criticisms and went ahead to share fliers and promo video of the event, which generated concerns and calls for protest by some residents against the holding of the event.
In response, the YYC president, Olanrewaju Olakotan, and the group’s secretary, Oduola Omola, had, in a petition dated September 22, 2025, expressed concerns that the event is an attempt to steal the Yoruba culture and heritage.
Backing the youth group’s petition, the monarch warned that the event, if held, would showcase cultural misrepresentation likely to cause unrest in the state. He also called for the review of public and cultural events to prevent a recurrence.
The letter read, “I am directed by His Royal Majesty, Alaiyeluwa Oba Rilwanu Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu 1, Oba of Lagos, to forward the attached petition from the Yoruba Youth Council, dated September 22, 2025, concerning the exhibition titled ‘An Owambe Exhibition’ by Uzo Njoko, which has raised serious concerns over cultural misrepresentation. A photocopy of the petition is enclosed for case of reference.”
It added, “Alaiyeluwa has instructed that you take appropriate action on this matter, as he is keen to avoid any form of disturbance or unrest within Lagos State and its environs.”
“Furthermore, Alaiyeluwa respectfully requests that your ministry, review existing policies, rules, and regulations governing public exhibitions and cultural showcases. That will help ensure that this event, as well as future events of this nature, are subject to proper approval and oversight by your ministry before they are allowed to take place.”
The palace forwarded the letter to the state ministry’s permanent secretary; the area commander, ‘Area A’ command headquarters; Lion Building and the YYC, whom the monarch praised for the information and record-keeping.
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