…Personal/royal artefacts on display to mark 10th death anniversary
Once again, Ecobank Nigeria has rolled out colourful drums in celebration of the legacies of Oba Okunade Adele Sijuade (Olubuse 11), the late Ooni of Ife, who was born in 1930 and died in 2015.
He was crowned the 50th Ooni of Ife on December 6, 1980, after receiving his staff of office from Bola Ige, the then-governor of old Oyo State, signifying his formal installation as the monarch.
Following the above, the bank is headlining a memorial art exhibition in honour of the late Ooni, who was a revered African heritage and culture custodian in his lifetime.
Tagged “The Crown and the Legacy”, the memorial exhibition is being presented by EPAC Studios in collaboration with the Sijuwade Royal Family.
It opened on August 4, 2025, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island, Lagos, and will run until August 17, 2025.
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As well, the distinguished memorial art exhibition dedicated to the life and legacy of late imperial majesty is curated by Oludamola Adebowale, a PhD holder, who doubles as a consultant to the Sijuwade Royal Family, who was joined by Atinse Robert of the National Museum to offer the media a guided tour of the exhibition on Friday.
Meanwhile, amid its African themes and décor, the exhibition is further segmented into five sections, each offering viewers an exciting journey into the life and times of the late Ooni.
From Coronation, Museum, Enduring Legacies, to Photo splash, offering over 54 personal pictures and to Diplomatic Corner, the exhibition is worth seeing because of the originality and authenticity of the works on display.
Generously on display are the late Ooni’s palace artefacts, cultural paraphernalia, royal instruments like the stool, staff, dress, among others.
Also, the Ife terracotta head and other Ife art heritage are on display.
The late Ooni was a lover of people and peace, hence a section featured plates by some record labels and songs released in the 80s by notable Nigerian musicians to commemorate his coronation on December 6, 1980.
The musicians included Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Ade, Orlando Owoh, and Prince Yemi Kuti and his Bazooka Beats.
Commenting on the exhibition, Yeye Olori Oladunni Sijuwade described the exhibition as “The Beauty of His Majesty,” offering art enthusiasts a rare and intimate glimpse into the monarch’s regal attire, cultural elegance, and enduring legacy, 10 years after his demise.
On his part, Oludamola Adebowale, curator of the exhibition, stated that the exhibition is both a tribute and an educational platform, preserving history and illuminating Yoruba heritage.
Commending the partnership, Adebowale called for more corporate interest in cultural heritage projects, citing Ecobank’s involvement as an exemplary model.
Atinse Robert of the National Museum, who conducted the media on a tour of the fair, saluted the Sijuwade Royal Family for celebrating their patriarch and Yoruba heritage, saying that such an exhibition should be encouraged to preserve culture and tradition.
Speaking from a sponsor’s perspective, Austen Osokpor, head, Corporate Communications, Ecobank Nigeria, said that the exhibition aligns with Ecobank’s mission to preserve and promote African heritage.
“Hosting this memorial exhibition in partnership with the Sijuwade Royal Family is a privilege and a reflection of our commitment to celebrating and empowering our rich, diverse communities across the continent,” Osokpor noted.
Once again, Ecobank, the Sijuwade Royal Family and other partners are urging Nigerians to visit the Ecobank Pan African Centre at Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island, Lagos, to see the exhibition from August 4–17, 2025, from 10 am to 5 pm daily.
Other partners in the exhibition include: The National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Kad Studios, National Library of Nigeria, Broward County, Florida Library, AARLCC, Horniman Museum & Gardens, Asiri, NTA Ibadan, among others.
