The founder of Terra Kulture and award-winning filmmaker Bolanle Austen-Peters has been conferred with the honourary chieftaincy title of Erelu of Culture by the Oniru of Iru Kingdom, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal.
The title was bestowed in recognition of her outstanding contribution to youth development and her role in projecting Nigeria’s cultural heritage on the global stage.
Austen-Peters, a respected figure in the Nigerian creative industry, has trained over 40,000 young people through her creative academy, which runs across Lagos, Ogun and Kano States.
Through her production company BAP Productions, she has also produced acclaimed films and stage plays such as 93 Days, The Bling Lagosians, FELA and the Kalakuta Queens and Death and the King’s Horseman, which have enjoyed international tours and festival appearances.
“This honor is especially meaningful because it comes from a kingdom that has allowed my business to thrive for over 21 years,” she said after receiving the title.
“But what stood out the most was witnessing the powerful blend of faith, culture, and business—proof of our strength in diversity.”
In a break from traditional chieftaincy rites, the conferment ceremony had the feel of a modern award ceremony.
Achievements of honorees were formally announced and recipients arrived with their own symbolic caps and beads to receive prayers and blessings in a dignified yet contemporary setting.
The prestigious event was graced by dignitaries, friends and foreign diplomats including the American, British and German Consul Generals, who lauded the seamless fusion of tradition and modernity.
Austen-Peters, who was born into royalty, her father is Afe Babalola, founder of Afe Babalola University described the Erelu title as the highest honour a woman can receive in Yoruba society outside being a princess.
Expressing her gratitude to Oba Lawal, the royal household, and her supporters over the years, she said, “There’s still so much work to be done. I pray for the grace and strength to continue building, inspiring, and making Nigeria proud.”
