Arts & Culture

”Iyaloja is alien to us in Benin. Here, every market has its Iye’ki, who performs cultural roles for the palace. The Oba does not interfere as long as the Iye’ki performs her duties,” the monarch said. The recent installation of Pastor Josephine Ibhaguezejele by the Iyaloja-General of Market Women Association, Mrs Folashade Ojo-Tinubu, as the Iyaloja of Edo State has …

By Dr. Harrison I. Okao, JP (Ohen Osa) Recent developments surrounding the purported and unauthorized installation of an “Iyaloja” in Benin City against the express admonition of His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin, have stirred a matter that goes far beyond politics or administration. This is not merely a breach of protocol; it is an assault on the cultural …

The renovation of the National Theatre was undertaken by the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee in partnership with the Lagos State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday night reassured that Nigeria will not split but will remain a strong, vibrant economy under his watch. He appealed to Nigerians to stop painting a negative picture …

“Our role as kings is not just to wear royal beads and acquire women but to serve the people” •Create Ibadan State before May 2027, Olubadan begs Tinubu •This is a new dawn in Ibadanland Ibadan , the Oyo State capital, witnessed a new dawn yesterday as the former governor of the state, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, was crowned the …

All roads will converge on the historic Mapo Hall, the venue of the epoch-making coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. For the coronation, Ibadan is preparing for a roll call of Nigeria’s crème de la crème. The event is expected to surpass any in Olubadan history, with dignitaries led by President Bola Tinubu, who has …

The Mapo Hall is the point of convergence for political leaders, traditional rulers, residents and visitors who have surged to the city from far and wide to witness the historic coronation of Oba Ladoja Ibadan, Nigeria’s largest indigenous city, is alive today as the much-anticipated coronation of the 44th Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, takes centre stage. The Mapo Hall …

…Pledges to make State preferred destination for arts, tourism Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, at the weekend, declared open the Edo State Festival of Arts and Culture (EdoFEST), pledging to sustain efforts to reposition the State as the preferred destination for arts, culture and tourism.Obaseki, while declaring the week-long event  open at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, urged …

Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Uyi Oduwa-Malaka, has said the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration has made tourism a major backbone of his reforms, leveraging the State’s rich arts, culture and tourism potential to boost its revenue and drive economic development and growth. IMG_7875 L-R: Ihama of Udo, Chief Francis Ihama; Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of …

Popular rapper, Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike, better known by his stage name, Phyno has revealed that during his days as a struggling artiste, he was advised to join a cult or engage in rituals if he wanted quick fame and success in his music career. Phyno made this known while counselling up-and-coming artistes on taking shortcuts to success. According to him, …

Tribal marks are traditional facial markings or scarifications that were historically used as a form of identification, social stratification, and beauty enhancement to Yoruba heritage. Temitope Adetunji writes on these and more Once upon a time, tribal marks on the cheeks of men and women, young and old, were common among different tribes across the country. The Yorubas in the …