A celebration of beauty, leadership, culture at Ecobank

After a successful outing marking the 10th year memorial celebrations in honour of the late Oba Okunade Adele Sijuwade (Olubuse II), the 50th Ooni of Ife, who reigned from 1980 to 2015 at the Harbour Point on Victoria Island, Lagos, on July 25, The Crown And The Legacy, a memorial art show also honouring the late Ooni, held from August 4 to August 17 at the Ecobank Head Office Complex, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Put together by Ecobank Pan African Centre Studios (EPAC Studios), in collaboration with the Sijuwade Royal Family, it was an exclusive viewing for arts writers who were conducted round by the curator and consultant to Sijuwade Royal Family, Dr. Oludamola Adebowale and Mr. Atinse Robert of the National Commission for Museum and Monuments (NCMM), Lagos.

The show featured ancient Ife artworks such as the bronze standing figure of Ooni, the Ife memorial head, and the Ife terracotta head, among others. The artworks represented the Ife culture, as each piece conveyed a message of artistry and royalty.

Displayed in different sections such as coronation, ascension and rebirth of a kingdom, the artefacts, which ranged from colourful regalia to rare photographs, staff of office, other memorabilia and personal effects including invitation letters to top government functions, cheque book, bank’s black card, album covers of King Sunny Ade, Prince Yemi Kuti, Orlando Owoh and Ebenezer Obey music tell a visual story of the life and times of the late Oba Sijuwade.

The artefacts, displayed in glass cubicles within the NCMM corner, include Ife terra cotta head, (from Odo Ogbe street, produced between 12th to 15th century); Ife bronze head (a bronze crowned head, from Wunmonije compound 12th to 15th century); bronze figure of Ooni (in full traditional regalia, from Ita Yemoo 12th to 15th century) and bronze head of Ooni.

As you move through the hall, you experience a reawakening of the collective memory of the Yoruba people. ‘Each photograph, each ceremonial garment, each royal artefact carries with it a story: of leadership grounded in heritage yet responsive to modernity, of vision and statesmanship that transcend borders and inspired generations.’

The exhibition also featured memorabilia of the late monarch — His staff of office, his clothing, and a collection of his pictures with family and world-renowned leaders, among others.

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.

For Adebowale, the exhibition was both, a tribute and an educational platform, preserving history and illuminating Yoruba heritage. “We had this conversation with the family some years ago to put together this kind of event. Not just an exhibition, but a very comprehensive programme to celebrate Kabiyesi’s 10-year passing,” he said.

According to him, “exhibition is a powerful way of telling our stories as Nigerians and Africans. It’s not just even telling a story; it’s also allowing people to know the importance of archival images or objects.”

While commending the partnership, Adebowale called for more corporate interest in cultural heritage projects, citing Ecobank’s involvement as an exemplary model.

On objects from Ife, Robert said: “If you look at the objects, you’ll see that we refer to them as being naturalistic in nature. If you look at the object, you’ll discover that the nose, the eyes, the mouth— they are like that of photograph of a person. It shows the ingenuity of our forefathers. It shows what they could do in the time past.”

Robert also commended the Sijuwade Royal Family for celebrating their patriarch and Yoruba heritage. He said such an exhibition should be encouraged to preserve culture and tradition.

Head of Corporate Communications at Ecobank Nigeria, Austen Osokpor, said the exhibition aligns with Ecobank’s mission to preserve and promote African heritage.

According to him, “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.”