Idris Aregebe, special adviser on tourism, arts and culture to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has come under intense criticism over an art exhibition accused of misrepresenting Yoruba culture.
The exhibition, tagged An Owambe Exhibition and scheduled for November in Lagos, borrows from the Yoruba tradition of “owanbe,” a term for grand and colourful celebrations.
Critics have accused American-Nigerian artist Uzo Njoku, who is behind the event, of cultural appropriation and disrespecting Yoruba heritage. An ongoing petition describes the show as a “misrepresentation of Yoruba culture” and demands its cancellation.
The outrage intensified over the weekend when a video surfaced online showing Aregbe meeting with Njoku and lifestyle influencer Noble Igwe, which many viewed as government endorsement of the project.
Njoku and Igwe, who are both of Igbo descent, are perceived as critics of President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), adding political and ethnic dimensions to the controversy.
Reacting to the criticism, Aregbe issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, defending his actions and emphasising that his role was to mediate and resolve tensions, not inflame them.
“My attention has been drawn to misleading conversations and posts regarding my meeting with Noble Igwe and Ms. Uzo Njoku, also known as Uzo Art,” he said.
“As an Omolúàbí Yoruba and a public servant, my role is not to fuel controversies but to provide diplomatic guidance and solutions that address concerns while ensuring that the dignity and cultural values of the Yorubas are not undermined.”
Describing Lagos as a “cultural melting pot,” Aregbe urged for calm and unity.
“Let us not be divided by misinformation or hasty assumptions. Dialogue and understanding remain the best path to strengthening our unity as a people.”
However, the use of the term “melting pot” sparked even more outrage, with some critics accusing him of pandering to those who describe Lagos as ‘no man’s land.’
As calls for his resignation mounted, Aregbe released a second statement, this time making a firm declaration about Lagos’ identity and heritage.
“Lagos is Yoruba land. This is undeniable, indisputable and eternal,” he stated.
“While it is a city of opportunities that has welcomed people from across Nigeria and beyond, those who thrive on its soil must acknowledge the hospitality of the Yoruba people who built and continue to sustain its cultural foundation which remains unbreakable.”
He clarified that his earlier reference to Lagos as a melting pot was only meant to highlight the Yoruba people’s welcoming nature and should not be misconstrued.
“The earlier phrase, ‘melting pot,’ was meant to describe the accommodating spirit of the Yoruba people. It should not be taken for granted or leveraged to undermine Yoruba culture and heritage.”
Reiterating his commitment to cultural preservation, Idris Aregbe stressed that Owambe celebrations are distinctly Yoruba.
“Owambe, in any form, is not borrowed; it is Yoruba culture, a point I made clear to my visitors,” he said.
“As a thoroughbred Yoruba man, I stand firmly against any distortion or exploitation of our culture and I reaffirm my commitment to defend the Yoruba cultural heritage.”
Despite his clarification, debate continues online, with many awaiting further developments ahead of the November exhibition.
