Culture

*Oguntoyinbo, Olofin Adimula Weigh In By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan The Allied People's Movement, (APM), Senatorial Candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has admonished the people of Oyo State in general to eschew religious bitterness but embrace tolerance as he congratulated the traditional religion worshippers on the celebration of Isese Day. It could be recalled that the Oyo State government declared Thursday, 20 August, 2026, a work-free day to enable residents to celebrate this year’s Isese Day.‎‎The declaration was made by the state Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, in recognition of the cultural significance of Isese Day and…

By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr.) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa1), received the Aboke of Ibadanland on a courtesy visit at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, on Thursday. Oba Ladoja, while congratulating Aboke and his followers on the 2026 Okebadan Annual Festival celebration to pray for Ibadanland, Oyo State and our dear country Nigeria, used the occasion to remind religious and spiritual leaders of their responsibility to observe religious tolerance, peaceful co-existence and promotion of moral values. The report of the visit was contained in a statement issued and signed by the Chief Press…

Protesters today disrupted a preview event at a major new museum in Benin, the Edo state capital, that has become embroiled in a row over the restitution of artefacts looted by British colonial forces in the 19th century. The demonstrators asserted that the opening of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) is a violation of Benin City’s cultural heritage, which falls under the authority of its traditional ruler, the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II. In a video circulating on social media, protesters were seen loudly chanting “Oba ghato kpere ise” (“Long live the king” in the Bini language) while…

By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu Enuogu-Nkerefi Autonomous Community in Nkanu East Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State came alive on Thursday with colours, rhythmic Abia dance steps, and the rich aroma of roasted yam as the people celebrated their annual Iri Ji, otherwise known as the New Yam festival. The event was marked by excitement and praises for Governor Peter Mbah’s rural development initiatives, which aim to bridge the economic gap between urban and rural communities in the state. The ceremony, held at the palace of the traditional ruler, Igwe Emmanuel Onukwube, attracted dignitaries, traditional rulers, government officials, business moguls,…

By Philip Oltermann, Berlin, & Eromo Egbejule,in Abidjan In a corner of the new Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), visitors can marvel at a sample display of the cultural treasures that adorned the royal palace that once stood in its place: a proud cockerel, a plaque with three mighty warriors, a bust of a king with a glorious beaded collar. The artefacts, collectively known as the Benin bronzes, were looted by British colonial forces who went on to burn down the palace in a punitive expedition in 1897. In the decades that followed they were scattered across collections in…

By Okerafor Athanasius, Jalingo The Sanwi Chiefdom of the Yandang-speaking people of Taraba State, North-East Nigeria, have held their maiden cultural Carnival, tagged 'Sungki Yandang Carnival'. The carnival with the theme 'Cultural Heritage; A panacea for National Cohesion', was graced by a glittering array of personalities within and outside the State. Speaking on the occasion, held at Government Day Secondary School (GDSS), Sayonti, Lau Local Government Area (LGA) of the State, the State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), lauded the Yandang people for coming up with such a cultural carnival.…

By John Bassey, Birnin Kebbi International limelight and its benefits are on the horizon for the colourful Yauri festival, Kebbi State, Noth-West Nigeria, asEmir of Yauri, Dr Muhammad Zayyanu Abdullahi, hinted that plans have been concluded to upgrade the annual fiesta in Rigata to international standard. The festival is a cultural event which showcases the rich culture of Yauri Emirate and the people of Kebbi State. Its expected elevation to international status will woo foreign tourists to Yauri to boost global ties and rake in revenue for the state,he explained. Speaking to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, shortly…