The Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Alaiyeluwa Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu I, has formally petitioned the Lagos State Government, requesting the cancellation of an exhibition titled “An Owambe Exhibition” organized by Uzo Njoko over alleged “cultural misrepresentation.”
In a letter dated September 24, 2025, and addressed to the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, as well as Mr. Idris Aregbe, Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, the monarch directed that appropriate action be taken to prevent potential unrest within the state.
The correspondence, referenced OOL/017/Vol. I/692, was signed on behalf of the monarch and forwarded through his palace. It was titled “Forwarding of Petition Letter – Request to Cancel ‘An Owambe Exhibition’ by Uzo Njoko Due to Cultural Misrepresentation.”
According to the letter, the petition originated from the Yoruba Youth Council and was dated September 22, 2025. The council raised serious concerns over what it described as cultural distortion in the exhibition’s content and presentation.
The letter stated that the Oba of Lagos “has instructed that you take appropriate action on this matter, as he is keen to avoid any form of disturbance or unrest within Lagos State and its environs.”
Furthermore, Oba Akiolu urged the ministry to “review existing policies, rules, and regulations governing public exhibitions and cultural showcases” to ensure that similar events are properly supervised and do not misrepresent Yoruba cultural heritage.
The letter added that copies of the correspondence had been forwarded to key government and security stakeholders, including the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture; the Lagos State Commissioner of Police; the Area Commander, Area ‘A’ Command Headquarters, Lion Building; and the Yoruba Youth Council represented by its President, Mr. Olanrewaju Eboda Olakotan, and Secretary, Mr. Odulola Omotola.
Oba Akiolu emphasized the need for due diligence and cultural sensitivity in organizing public events, noting that the traditional institution remains committed to safeguarding Yoruba values and preventing any form of cultural misrepresentation within Lagos.