From Adebayo Adeleye
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has vowed to retrieve all the stolen artefacts carved by the late Olowe of Ise-Ekiti, Chief Olowe Ajalemo from around the world.
Oyebanji spoke on Monday during a visit to the House of the the Late Olowe in Ise-Ekiti, noted that allowing the artefacts in the museums of other nations rob the Yoruba race of its history.
Oyebanji regretted that many of the Olowe’s most magnificent works reside in museums across the world, assuring no effort would be spared in ensuring the materials are repatriated.
The governor pledged to make the late Olowe’s House in Ise-Ekiti a world class standard museum to accommodate all the stolen artefacts upon their return and serve as a hub of artistic exchange.
He stated that Olowe’s artworks are a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage and artistic excellence, noting that the government was committed to preserve his legacies for new generation of artists to draw inspiration.
He said, “It is truly a shame that despite Olowe’s incredible skill, he is not as widely recognized in his home country as he is abroad. Many of his most magnificent works reside in other countries, with very few, if any, available in his own town of Ise, or his home state of Ekiti.
“Today, as we embark on rehabilitation of Olowe of Ise, we have the opportunity to not only preserve his legacy, but also to bring greater awareness to his artworks within Nigeria.
“Through this rehabilitation, we can create a space that not only showcases Olowe’s carvings, but also serves as a hub for artistic exchange. It is our hope that by doing so, we can inspire a new generation of artists to draw upon Olowe’s incredible talent and passion for their own creative endeavors.
“To achieve this end, we shall convert this house where he lived all his life to world class museum and make efforts to bring back all his work taken away from here. All those works of this super talented man must return and adorn the proposed museum so that the world can find its way here to adore them and know that Olowe belongs to Ise, belongs to Ekiti and to Nigeria and Africa”.
