HRM Oba Omotooyosi Bayo M. Akinleye, the Olukosi of Ilukosi-Ijesa, has launched a strong opposition to Nigerian-American artist Uzo Njoku’s upcoming show, “An Owambe Exhibition”, scheduled to open in Lagos in November.
In a statement shared on social media Monday, the monarch
announced his arrival in Lagos to “take every necessary action” against the
exhibition, describing it as an attempt to “disrespect” Yoruba heritage.
“It’s going to be a long week for those planning to spit on
our culture,” he warned.
The traditional ruler had earlier cautioned that the matter
transcended Lagos, insisting Njoku and her team would contend with Yoruba
representatives from Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara, and Kabba.
“This is not about Lagos; it’s about the entire Yoruba
people. It’s our collective heritage,” he said.
Njoku, however, has pushed back against the criticism,
clarifying that the exhibition is not intended to highlight Yoruba heritage but
to showcase her artwork and celebrate the broader creative scene in Lagos.
“The show is about my artwork and Nigerian creatives in
Lagos. It’s not about Yoruba cultural heritage,” she told TVC.
The controversy centres on the use of the word “Owambe”,
which describes Yoruba social gatherings known for their vibrancy, music, and
dance. While Njoku sees it as a cultural motif within Lagos’ creative melting
pot, critics argue that her use of the term amounts to cultural appropriation.
An online petition demanding the exhibition’s cancellation
has already attracted more than 10,000 signatures, with opponents claiming the
project misrepresents Yoruba culture.
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