A decade after the passing of the revered 50th Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Ecobank Pan African Centre, in partnership with the Sijuwade Royal Family, is hosting a memorial art exhibition to celebrate his life and cultural legacy.
Titled “The Beauty of His Majesty,” the exhibition opened on August 4 and runs until August 17 at the Ecobank Head Office Complex in Lagos. It showcases rare artworks, photographs, and personal effects that reflect the monarch’s regal presence and enduring influence on Yoruba culture.
Speaking at the launch event, Yeye Olori Oladuni Sijuwade described the exhibition as a tribute to the Ooni’s timeless legacy, highlighting his royal attire and the cultural richness he embodied during his reign.
The exhibition is curated by Dr. Oludamola Adebowale, cultural consultant to the Sijuwade Royal Family, who said the initiative is both a memorial and an educational platform aimed at preserving Yoruba heritage. He encouraged traditional rulers, scholars, policymakers, and cultural enthusiasts across the country to attend.
Speaking on behalf of Ecobank Nigeria, Austen Osokpor, Head of Corporate Communications, reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to promoting African heritage.
“Partnering on this exhibition reflects our broader mission to support the cultural and historical identity of the continent,” he noted.
The exhibition has continued to attract art lovers, historians, and members of the public, offering a rare, intimate look at one of Yoruba land’s most influential traditional rulers.
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