By Clement Abayomi
Earlier today, Wednesday 25th March, 2026 in a landmark cultural exchange that bridged the ancient heritage of Ado-Odo kingdom with Nigeria’s vibrant contemporary art scene, His Majesty, Aláyélúwà Oba Olusola Idris Adebowale Lamidi-Osolo, Otenibotemole II, the Olofin Adimula Oodua of Ado-Odo kingdom, Àwórìland paid a royal visit to the iconic Nike Arts Gallery located in Ikate, Lekki Lagos.
Accompanied by an entourage comprising senior chiefs, the Oloosha of Ado-Odo and key Palace aides, the monarch was warmly received by world-renowned artist and gallerist, Chief (Dr.) Mrs. Oyenike Monica Davies-Okundaye (Mama Nike), founder of the Nike Art Foundation.
The visit began with Mama Nike personally conducting the Olofin and his entourage on an exclusive exhibition tour of the gallery’s vast collection. The exhibition tour showcased thousands of exquisite works in batik, adire textiles, paintings, sculptures and traditional Yoruba crafts, which highlights Nigeria’s rich artistic legacy.
Chief Olugbenga Akande, the Spokesperson to the monarch then took Chief Mrs. Davies-Okundaye and her team through a detailed presentation on the rich culture and history of Ado-Odo kingdom. He eloquently narrated the kingdom’s ancient origins from Ile-Ife, its role as an unconquered Awori sanctuary and its enduring culture and traditions tied to Ile-ife, the cradle of Yoruba civilization.
A highlight of the visit was the formal presentation of a symbolic photograph of the historic Lander Artifact, the sacred Ado-Ife Coronation Stool carted away from the Okewaye compound in Ado-Odo kingdom in 1825 by British explorer Richard Lemon Lander and currently housed in the British Museum.
The monarch presented the piece to Mama Nike as a token of goodwill with a call for the cultural reclamation and global advocacy for its repatriation back to Ado-Odo kingdom.
His Majesty seized the moment to extend a special royal invitation to Chief (Dr.) Mrs. Oyenike Monica Davies-Okundaye to grace the forthcoming 2nd Year Coronation Anniversary of the Olofin Adimula Oodua, scheduled for 16th May 2026 in Ado-Odo kingdom.
Both parties expressed optimism for future collaborations, including possible joint exhibitions and empowerment programmes for artisans linked to the Nike Art Foundation and Ado-Odo’s cultural initiatives.
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