The Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Akiolu, has called on the Lagos State Government to act on a petition filed by the Yoruba Youth Council (YYC) against a planned event titled “An Owambe Exhibition.”
In a letter dated September 24, 2025, addressed to the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyika, and the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe, Akiolu expressed concern over the controversy surrounding the event.
The exhibition, organised by Nigerian-American artist Uzo Njoko, has been accused by some residents and cultural groups of distorting Yoruba traditions. Despite public criticism, Njoko reportedly continued promoting the event through flyers and videos, prompting growing tension and threats of protest.
In its petition dated September 22, 2025, the Yoruba Youth Council, led by President Olanrewaju Olakotan and Secretary Oduola Omola, alleged that the event was an attempt to appropriate Yoruba culture and heritage for commercial purposes.
Supporting the group’s position, the Oba of Lagos warned that hosting the event could result in cultural misrepresentation and possible unrest in the state. He urged the government to review policies regulating public and cultural exhibitions to prevent future controversies.
The monarch’s letter stated, “I am directed by His Royal Majesty, Alaiyeluwa Oba Rilwanu Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu I, Oba of Lagos, to forward the attached petition from the Yoruba Youth Council concerning the exhibition titled ‘An Owambe Exhibition’ by Uzo Njoko, which has raised serious concerns over cultural misrepresentation.”
Akiolu added that relevant authorities should “take appropriate action on this matter” to maintain peace and order, while also calling for stricter approval procedures for cultural events across Lagos.
Copies of the letter were also sent to the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, the Area Commander of ‘Area A’ Command Headquarters, Lion Building, and the Yoruba Youth Council, which the Oba commended for its vigilance and documentation.
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