The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has been praised for a decade of leadership marked by cultural revival and unity across Yorubaland.

The tribute came from the Chief Executive Officer of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, who described the monarch’s 10-year reign as “divinely inspired” and transformational.

The Ooni ascended the throne in 2015, becoming one of the most influential traditional rulers in Nigeria and a symbolic custodian of Yoruba heritage.

Why It Matters

Traditional institutions continue to play a powerful cultural and diplomatic role across Southwest Nigeria.

Observers say the Ooni’s influence extends beyond the palace, shaping conversations around national cohesion, cultural identity, and global diaspora relations.

‘A Reign of Renewal’: Aare Emmanuelking’s Tribute

In a goodwill message, Aare Emmanuelking praised Oba Ogunwusi for modernising traditional leadership and deepening cultural pride.

“His reign has ushered in a new era of cultural renaissance and national unity,” he said.

“Since ascending the throne, the Ooni has redefined traditional leadership by modernising kingship, reviving Yoruba cultural identity, and strengthening Ile-Ife’s position as the spiritual and cultural epicentre of the Yoruba people.”

He added that the monarch has expanded youth empowerment, community development and cultural diplomacy across Africa and the diaspora.

“The Ooni has successfully combined the preservation of ancient traditions with progressive governance, peacebuilding, and sustainable development,” he said, calling the royal father “a beacon of cultural pride and purposeful leadership.”

Speaking on behalf of his family and Adron Group’s Board and Management, Aare Emmanuelking prayed for the monarch’s continued wisdom and long life.

Industry Reactions

Cultural scholars say the Ooni’s decade on the throne has coincided with growing global interest in Yoruba history, festivals, and traditional institutions.

Community advocates also point to his support for youth participation in cultural events, entrepreneurship, and creative industries.

Public Perspective

Across social media, Nigerians have been sharing tributes with hashtags celebrating his “influential” and “people-centred” leadership style.

Many have highlighted his role in promoting peace within traditional councils and his engagement with young people in and outside the Yoruba region.

What’s Next

Palace officials say a series of cultural events and thanksgiving activities will continue through the anniversary month, showcasing arts, heritage, and community projects championed by the Ooni.

Observers expect the monarch to further expand his cultural diplomacy and youth development initiatives over the next decade.

Martell, the French cognac brand under Pernod Ricard, has revealed a large-scale metal sculpture titled The Swift Ascendant, a collaboration with celebrated Nigerian scrap artist Dotun Popoola.

The installation, unveiled at the Wings Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, reimagines Martell’s iconic Swift emblem using hundreds of discarded metal components.

It marks a growing trend of luxury brands turning to sustainable art to connect with younger, environmentally conscious consumers.

Martell partners scrap artist Dotun Popoola on Lagos installation

Martell says the sculpture celebrates boldness, reinvention and responsible creativity, values the brand says align with its heritage.

Dotun Popoola, known for converting waste metal into vibrant sculptures, said the project reflects his long-standing mission to give discarded materials new identity and meaning.

The Swift emblem, traditionally engraved on every Martell bottle, symbolises audacity and freedom — themes Popoola channels through the sculpture’s dynamic posture and layered metallic textures.

Brand voices at the unveiling

Speaking at the launch, Michael Ehindero, Managing Director of Pernod Ricard Nigeria, said the work reflects Martell’s legacy of daring innovation.

“Martell has always stood for pushing boundaries — for choosing boldness over routine,” he said.

“This installation captures that spirit beautifully — transforming what was once discarded into a masterpiece, telling a powerful story about vision, creativity, and responsible transformation.”

Evane Chenuet, Marketing Director, Pernod Ricard Nigeria, said the installation is designed to create conversation across Lagos.

“The Swift Ascendant is more than an installation — it is a conversation starter,” she said.

“As it travels across Lagos, we expect it to spark inspiration, curiosity, and deeper engagement with our consumers.”

Sustainability 

Pernod Ricard says the project aligns with its global sustainability roadmap, particularly the circular making pillar which promotes redesigning, reusing and reducing waste.

Environmental analysts say collaborations like this are becoming key ways for corporate brands to demonstrate public commitment to sustainability beyond policy statements.

Public reaction and cultural impact

Early viewers at the unveiling described the sculpture as “bold”, “unexpected” and “a powerful reminder that waste can be reimagined”.

Art industry observers noted that positioning a luxury brand within Lagos’ contemporary art scene could deepen youth engagement and expand Martell’s cultural footprint.

The installation will be showcased at multiple venues as part of Martell on the Move, the brand’s upcoming city-wide campaign.

What’s next

The Swift Ascendant is expected to tour Lagos in the coming months, with Martell promising community interactions, art conversations and pop-up experiences tied to the installation.

Industry watchers say the move signals an emerging blend of premium branding, urban art and sustainability messaging that could reshape consumer engagement strategies in Nigeria’s drinks market.

The Africa International Human Rights Film Festival (AIHRFF) will return to Lagos from 8–10 December 2025, with organisers saying the event will expose global patterns of human rights abuses and strengthen advocacy efforts across the continent.

The festival, now in its fourth edition, will be held under the theme “Using Films to Bridge Divides.”

It comes at a time when rights violations, from police brutality to censorship continue to attract global concern.

Why It Matters

Campaigners say the festival offers one of Africa’s most influential platforms for confronting abuses through visual storytelling.

The three-day event will bring together filmmakers, journalists, activists, policymakers, regulators, and students dedicated to documenting and challenging rights violations.

Event Schedule

Film screenings and panel discussions will be held on 8 and 9 December at 1A Adekunle Owobiyi Close, Ogba Phase II, Lagos.

Masterclasses and the closing session will take place on 10 December at the British Council in Ikoyi, coinciding with the UN Human Rights Day, marked annually on 10 December.

‘A Convergence of Rights Voices’ — Organisers

Festival Director Comrade Kehinde Adegboyega said the event has become one of Africa’s biggest gatherings of human rights advocates.

“This festival brings together filmmakers, journalists, activists and other stakeholders who are relentlessly lending their skills and voices to amplify multiple issues of abuses around the world,” he said.

Adegboyega listed abuses the festival aims to spotlight, including police brutality, corruption, gender-based violence, repression of free expression, criminalisation of peaceful protests, and censorship of the press.

How Film Helps Fight Abuse

Adegboyega said human rights filmmakers function as activists and development advocates.

He explained that they “help expose and illuminate dark places where unfathomable human rights abuses are taking place, thereby helping with evidence collection and promotion of prosecutorial justice against perpetrators.”

According to him, “audio-visual storytelling remains the most reliable and vivid way to document human rights abuses. It is self-evident and incontrovertible.”

He added that the festival’s masterclasses aim to expand the ecosystem by training emerging practitioners, students, and advocates.

Public Interest & Social Impact

For the audience, particularly young Nigerians, the festival offers an avenue to learn how film can be used as a tool for activism, civic engagement, and social justice.

Communities affected by abuses may also gain visibility as their stories reach wider audiences.

What’s Next

Organisers say the 2025 edition will feature keynote speeches, special appearances, film screenings, and panel discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between storytellers and human rights advocates.

Further announcements on speakers and selected films are expected in the coming weeks.