Aseyin, Olowu, Others Grace 2nd World Headdress Celebration In Ibadan
•By OYENIYI KAZEEM
IBADAN – PROMINENT traditional rulers and cultural enthusiasts on Sun, December 28, 2025, converged in Ibadan for the second edition of the World Headdress Celebration, an annual event dedicated to the promotion and preservation of indigenous headgear culture.
The colourful ceremony, held at the Single Tennis Court, Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, was graced by the Asẹyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola (Aderotutu I), and the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola, among other notable personalities.
The event featured exhibitions of diverse headdresses drawn from different cultural backgrounds in Nigeria and beyond, highlighting their historical, spiritual and aesthetic significance. Awards were also presented to individuals renowned for their iconic caps and headgear.
Posthumous awards were presented in honour of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the first Premier of Western Nigeria, and Alhaji Onaolapo Gbọ́lágún, a retired broadcaster with the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, in recognition of their enduring cultural legacies.
Some eminent personalities earlier billed to be honoured were absent from the event. Those absent included Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke; former Deputy Governor of Oyo State and current National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Taofeek Oladejo Arapaja; Director-General of Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre; and Honourable Farouq Arisekola, who was to receive a posthumous award on behalf of his late father, the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta.
In a royal address, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom described the World Headdress Celebration as a global cultural initiative that deserves the support of all stakeholders to fast-track its endorsement by UNESCO.
The monarch was represented by Chief Ayodele Ojelade, the Aare Onikoyi, and Chief Olaniyan Sofela, the Sakosi of Owu Kingdom.
The Olowu called for unity among the Yoruba people, noting that collective action and a common voice would help reposition the race both nationally and globally. He also cautioned against the neglect of indigenous culture in the name of civilization, urging Yorubas to embrace and protect their heritage.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman of Omo Yoruba Atata Socio-cultural Initiative, OYASI, organisers of the annual event, Mr Olawale Ajao, said caps and headdresses occupy a central place in Yoruba culture, serving purposes beyond adornment, including protection, medicinal use, fortune and spiritual balance.
According to him, the vision of the organisation extends beyond cultural preservation to encouraging scientific and academic research into the deeper meanings and functions of traditional headdresses.
Speaking during the presentation of her award, the Chief Executive Officer of Nike Art Gallery, Dr Chief (Mrs) Nike Davies-Okundaye, said Africa is richly endowed with arts and culture capable of driving economic growth if properly harnessed. She stressed that it is the responsibility of Africans, particularly the Yoruba, to rediscover, value and commercialise their cultural heritage for sustainable development.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Chief Executive Officer of Agidigbo FM, Alhaji Oriyomi Hazmat, represented by the Head of Programmes, Aare Ismail Olabode Anosoloja; the Chief Executive Officer of Deborah Olufunke Nigeria Limited, Chief (Mrs) Deborah Olufunke Awoyele; the Deputy Director, News and Current Affairs, FRCN Ibadan Zonal Station, Mr Adewumi Faniran; Deputy Editor, the Nigerian Tribune, Mr Yinka Oladoyinbo; Chief Adesoye Omotoso; the General Manager of Amuludun FM, Mrs Tolulope Onafowokan, represented by the Manager, News, Mr Oluseye Arowolo; and Prince Tunde Odunlade, the CEO, Tunde Odunlade Art Gallery, among others.
The celebration reaffirmed the enduring relevance of traditional headdresses as symbols of identity, history and cultural pride.