The singular act of the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, immortalizing the late iconic carver Olowe of Ise by turning his house into a museum of his artwork and history cultivates immeasurable goodwill and a positive message for the state.
Two most distinguished Nigerian cultural promoters, art collectors, gallery owners, global African value advocates, and heritage preservers, Chief Nike-Davies Okundaye, President, Nike Art Gallery, and Engineer Yemisi Shyllon, Planter, The Museum of Art, Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, have, in separate engagement with Amb Wale Ojo-Lanre, Director-General, Bureau of Tourism Development, Ekiti State, promised to support and reinforce the effort of Governor Oyebanji at ensuring that Olowe of Ise Museum come onboard successfully.
Chief Nike Okundaye, in a telephone engagement with Amb Ojo-Lanre from Washington DC, said, “I was happy to have read it on an art platform yesterday that Governor Biodun Oyebanji, after visiting the house of the late grandmaster of carving in Nigeria, the late Olowere of Ise, promised to turn it into a Museum.
Honestly, this is heartwarming and great because the late awesome Carver enjoys a high level of honor and respect in international space. At the same time, nothing is done here in Nigeria or down in Ekiti State, where he hails from. Thus, my mind prayed for Governor Oyebanji to deem it fit not only to visit Olowe’s House but also to announce his decision to turn the place into a museum and to immortalize him and re-invent his works for this generation and generation yet unborn.”
Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye said, “I am commending Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and assuring him and Ekiti State of my unreserved support for this project to come on stream successfully.
In the same vein, Engineer Yemisi Shyllon, Esq., expressed his appreciation and gratitude to Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his resolution to transform the renowned carver Olowe of Ise’s dilapidated house into a museum. He said the decision to turn this historic house into a museum is significant and has already placed Ekiti State as a front-runner in the Comity of Global Art Societies. He pointed out that the act of preserving the legacy of an internationally acclaimed artist by Governor Oyebanji has shored up the image of Ekiti State in the global art community.
Engineer Shyllon acknowledged this project’s immense tourism impact on Ekiti State and Nigeria.
He said, “By promising to transform the house of Olowe of Ise into a museum, Governor Oyebanji has paid homage to a legendary figure and positioned Ekiti state as a centre for cultural heritage and artistic excellence.”
Engineer Shyllon said that the late Olowe of Ise’s artistic creations have gained global recognition, showcasing his works in prestigious museums across Europe and America. ‘
By preserving his house and transforming it into a museum, Governor Oyebanji has honoured the memory of this extraordinary cultural icon and ensured that future generations can appreciate his remarkable talent.’
Engineer Shyllon believes that the governor’s decision to create a museum in Olowe of Ise’s house is the best honour the governor could have bestowed upon the late global carver.
He, therefore, called the attention of the Governor to the fact that “I assure Gov Oyebanji and the entire indigenes of Ekiti of my unflinching support for this project, which will induce heavy tourist traffic to Ekiti as it will undoubtedly attract art enthusiasts, scholars, and tourists from around the world, strengthening the cultural and artistic landscape of Ekiti state and Nigeria.”
Chief Nike Okudaiye and Engineer Shyllon sincerely appreciated Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his vision, commitment, and dedication to preserving Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
They also encouraged individuals, organizations, and the international community to support this endeavor and promote the importance of preserving and celebrating the arts.
