Olubadan to Lead 2026 World Egungun Festival as Ibadan Eyes Global Cultural Spotlight

 Olubadan to Lead 2026 World Egungun Festival as Ibadan Eyes Global Cultural Spotlight

Yemi Olakitan 

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has agreed to serve as Royal Father and Chairman of the 2026 World Egungun Festival, pledging his full support as preparations intensify for what organisers describe as a landmark international cultural celebration.

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Oyo State, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the monarch at his Ibadan residence, where officials of the Ministry formally presented the invitation.

Olatubosun commended the Olubadan for his longstanding backing of cultural initiatives in the state, noting that his support predated his ascension to the throne. He described the monarch as a revered custodian of tradition whose leadership would further elevate the global profile of the festival.

According to the Commissioner, significant improvements are being introduced ahead of the 2026 edition, particularly in response to observations made by the Olubadan during the 2025 festival. These include enhanced visibility arrangements and improved comfort for special guests.

Organisers expect over 200 masquerades from within and outside Nigeria to participate, with about 10 countries and more than 100 cultural groups already indicating interest. The Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, is also expected to attend the festival.

“We want Ibadan to emerge as a leading tourist destination and a cultural hub of international repute,” Olatubosun said, emphasizing the government’s broader vision for positioning the ancient city as a centre of heritage tourism.

In his response, the Olubadan accepted the invitation and assured organisers of his presence and royal backing for the event.

As part of wider preparations, the Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism convened a strategic meeting with leaders and members of the Ijo Oje Parapo Welfare Association across various local government areas. The meeting, held at the Town Hall within the palace of the Akibio of Ilora, focused on strengthening collaboration, consolidating plans for the 2026 edition and addressing concerns raised after previous festivals.

Olatubosun noted that the growing prominence of the Egungun Festival has attracted international interest, including from Brazil, as members of the diaspora reconnect with their ancestral roots in Oyo State. He expressed optimism that with sustained organisation and effective cultural packaging, the festival could secure UNESCO recognition within the next six years.

“We must promote the tourism and entertainment value of the festival globally while preserving its authenticity and cultural integrity,” he added.

Also speaking, the Acting General Manager of the Oyo State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr. S.A. Agboola, praised members of the association for their cooperation during the 2025 edition, describing the collaboration as productive and mutually beneficial.

Agboola highlighted the spiritual and communal significance of the Egungun tradition in Yoruba religious life, stressing that conscious efforts have been made to correct misconceptions about disorder and insecurity previously associated with the festival.

Representatives of the Ijo Oje Parapo Welfare Association called for improved sanitation, discipline and a more structured presentation of masquerades during the 2026 celebration. They also requested inclusion in the festival planning committee, a proposal that was approved.

The Commissioner further urged the association to establish a vibrant youth structure under the National Council for Isese Youth Organisation to ensure continuity and active participation of younger generations in preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.

Yoruba Wisdom on Leadership: What Orishas Teach About Governance Amid 2026 Security Challenges

Yemi Olakitan 

As we navigate the early months of 2026, Nigeria continues to grapple with a deepening security crisis that tests the very fabric of our nation. Recent events have been heartbreaking and alarming. 

In early February, suspected Islamist militants—linked to groups like Lakurawa, carried out devastating attacks in Kwara State, killing over 160 people in villages such as Woro and Nuku. Homes were burned, people executed at close range or set ablaze, and dozens abducted. Just days ago, coordinated raids in Kebbi State claimed at least 34 lives, with gunmen overwhelming rural communities in simultaneous strikes. Similar violence struck Niger State, leaving dozens dead and communities displaced. These incidents highlight a pattern: armed groups exploiting borders, forests, and weak local defenses, while the government deploys troops and seeks international support, including from the US, yet the violence persists and escalates.

In the face of such chaos, many Nigerians ask: Where is the leadership? How do we restore order, protect lives, and rebuild trust? As someone rooted in Yoruba heritage, I turn to the timeless teachings of our Orishas—not as superstition, but as profound wisdom on governance, balance, and moral authority. The Orishas offer archetypes of effective leadership that modern rulers could learn from, especially in times of crisis.

Obatala: The Pillar of Purity, Justice, and Calm Authority

Obatala, the eldest Orisha, is the embodiment of peace, purity, wisdom, and creation. Often depicted in white, he is the father figure among the deities, tasked by Olodumare with shaping humanity and the earth. He represents clarity of thought, moral integrity, and just governance. Obatala does not rush into conflict with anger; instead, he approaches challenges with patience, fairness, and a commitment to ethical standards.

In today's Nigeria, Obatala's lessons are starkly relevant. Leadership amid security challenges requires purity of intention, free from corruption, favoritism, or political expediency. When leaders act with transparency and justice, they build trust that no amount of military force alone can achieve. Obatala's calm spirit reminds us that reactive, heavy-handed responses without addressing root causes (poverty, ungoverned spaces, community grievances) only breed more resentment.

Imagine if our governance reflected Obatala's wisdom: Prioritizing community protection, equitable resource distribution to prevent desperation that fuels banditry, and holding security forces accountable to prevent abuses that alienate citizens. True leadership creates order through moral clarity, not just coercion. Obatala's balance calls for leaders to be "cool-headed" (even-tempered), ensuring decisions protect the vulnerable rather than escalate cycles of violence.

Esu: The Messenger, and Guardian of Crossroads

Esu (also known as Elegba or Eshu) is often misunderstood in popular narratives, but in Yoruba cosmology, he is essential—not evil, but the divine messenger who opens and closes paths, tests choices, and enforces consequences. Esu stands at every crossroads, reminding us that every decision has two sides, and balance is maintained through awareness of consequences.

Esu's role in leadership is about discernment at critical junctures. In governance, he teaches that security threats are not random; they arise at "crossroads" of failed policies, porous borders, and ignored warnings. Leaders must consult widely (like invoking Ifá for guidance), listen to diverse voices, and avoid the trick of short-term political gains that lead to long-term disaster.

Esu's trickster nature warns against deception—whether self-deception by leaders who downplay crises or manipulation by armed groups who exploit divisions. In 2026, with groups like Lakurawa expanding southward and new alliances forming, Esu urges vigilance: Distinguish true threats from distractions, forge smart alliances (as Nigeria has with international partners), and ensure that "paths" to peace are not blocked by corruption or incompetence.

The Balance Between Obatala and Esu: Harmony in Governance

The true power emerges when Obatala and Esu are in balance. Obatala's purity and justice provide the foundation of stable, ethical rule, while Esu's dynamic energy ensures adaptability, quick response to dangers, and enforcement of accountability. Without Obatala's calm wisdom, Esu's crossroads become chaotic traps. Without Esu's alertness, Obatala's peace becomes passive inaction.

In our current moment, this balance is missing. Security operations expand (as the Senate recently mandated for Niger and Kwara), but without the moral clarity of Obatala, they risk alienating communities further. Without Esu's sharp discernment, responses remain reactive rather than preventive, failing to address why militants recruit, why forests remain havens, or why trust in institutions erodes.

Yoruba wisdom teaches that good governance is spiritual and practical: Leaders must honor the ancestors by protecting the people, seek Ifá-like counsel through inclusive dialogue, and maintain equilibrium between justice and decisive action.

As we mourn the lives lost in Kwara, Kebbi, Niger, and beyond, let us demand leadership that embodies these Orishas. Not through empty rituals, but through actions: Transparent security strategies, community empowerment, anti-corruption drives, and a commitment to justice that unites rather than divides.

May Obatala's peace descend on our land, and may Esu's wisdom guide our paths out of this darkness. Nigeria deserves leaders who govern with the depth of our heritage—not just power, but profound responsibility.

Ase.

(If you're reading this and feel called to reflect or share your own insights on Yoruba teachings in modern Nigeria, drop a comment below. Let's keep the conversation going.)

Note: This piece draws from Yoruba oral traditions and Ifá principles. For deeper study, consult reputable priests or texts on Orisha cosmology.

How to Secure High Paying Remote Jobs

Remote work has exploded over the past decade, driven by tech advancements and evolving company cultures. What started as a pandemic necessity is now a core career path for millions worldwide.

In 2026, remote opportunities are more accessible than ever, especially for skilled professionals in software development, graphic design, digital marketing, customer support, content creation, and beyond. Many roles offer flexibility, allowing part-time or strategic approaches to generate substantial income.

Skilled workers dedicating just 3–4 hours daily can realistically earn $400 to $2,500 per month and often more in advanced tech positions, according to sources like DAAD Scholarships and freelance market insights. This income provides financial freedom, global team exposure, and professional growth—without relocating.

Here are 20 top international remote platforms to explore in 2026. These include freelance marketplaces for gig-based work and dedicated job boards for full-time, part-time, or contract remote roles. Many remain strong contenders based on current trends, with timeless favorites like Upwork and We Work Remotely leading the pack.

1. Remote OK — Aggregates thousands of remote listings, strong in tech and "work-from-anywhere" roles. Filter by skills for precise matches.

2. Upwork — The go-to freelance marketplace for bidding on projects in writing, development, design, marketing, and more. Ideal for building a client base and scaling earnings.

3. Freelancer — A veteran platform with auction-style bidding for jobs in web development, content, design, data entry, and beyond.

4. SimplyHired — A job search engine aggregating remote listings from across the web, with easy filters for remote and industry-specific roles.

5. Pangian — Community-focused site listing remote jobs in tech, business, sales, marketing, and support, popular among distributed teams.

6. Jobspresso — Curates high-quality remote opportunities in tech, marketing, product, and customer support. Resume upload feature helps employers find you.

7.Toptal— Premium network for top-tier talent. Rigorous vetting leads to higher-paying projects in engineering, design, finance, and product management.

8. RemoteHabits — Aggregator with resources and guidance for remote career building across industries.

9. LinkedIn — Essential professional network with robust remote job filters. Connect directly with recruiters and view company insights.

10. FlexJobs — Vetted remote, part-time, and freelance listings (subscription-based). Scam-free focus saves time on quality applications.

11. Remote4Me — Aggregates listings across industries, handy for tech like development and data analysis, plus non-tech roles.

12. Remotive— Job board with community features, newsletters, and filters. Strong in tech, product, marketing, and startup roles.

13. PeoplePerHour— UK-based freelance site for hourly or project-based work in writing, design, marketing, and development.

14. Outsourcey— Focuses on long-term remote contracts in marketing, customer service, design, engineering, and admin.

15.AngelList (Wellfound)— Startup-centric platform with remote tech, product, marketing, and sales roles, often showing salary/equity upfront.

16. Remote.co— Dedicated to remote jobs, with company profiles and remote culture insights.

17. Remote of Asia— Regional focus (open globally) highlighting roles friendly to Asian time zones and workers.

18. Skip The Drive — Beginner-friendly, no-account-needed browsing for customer service, admin, marketing, and support roles.

19. Europe Remotely— Targets European companies or worldwide-open roles, especially in tech and development.

20.We Work Remotely— One of the largest aggregators, categorizing roles in programming, design, writing, sales, management, and more.

These platforms remain highly relevant in 2026, with many appearing in top lists alongside newer aggregators like NoDesk, Remote Rocketship, and Himalayas.

Tips for Success in 2026

Landing consistent remote income takes strategy beyond mass applications. The first place to start is to build your skills. You can only navigate the remote work world with in demand skills. 

-Build a smart mix: Start with 2 freelance sites (e.g., Upwork and Freelancer) for bidding and client-building. Add 4 job boards (e.g., Remote OK, LinkedIn, Remotive, FlexJobs) for curated company roles.

Apply consistently: Target 5–10 relevant positions daily, tailoring to your skills.

Optimize your profile: Showcase portfolios, past work, and results (e.g., "Increased client traffic 40% via SEO"). Include testimonials.

Start small for momentum: Accept initial lower-paying gigs to earn reviews and credibility. Many see steady invitations within 30–60 days of effort.

Remote work in 2026 offers real earning potential and lifestyle freedom. With persistence and the right platforms, skilled professionals—especially from regions like Nigeria—can tap global opportunities and build sustainable income. 

Yoruba: How a West African Tribe Becomes a Global Cultural Phenomenon

Yemi Olakitan 

The Yoruba people have one of the most profound and far-reaching cultural impacts among African ethnic groups, particularly through their religion, art, music, literature, and diaspora networks. This influence spans from their West African homeland (Nigeria, Benin, Togo) to the global stage, largely due to historical migrations, the transatlantic slave trade, and modern voluntary movements to places like the UK, US, and Canada.

Religion and Spirituality

Yoruba traditional religion (centered on Olodumare as the supreme creator and a pantheon of Orishas/Orisa like Shango, Ogun, Oshun, Yemoja, Obatala, and Eshu) stands as one of the most widely practiced and adapted indigenous African belief systems worldwide. It ranks as the largest indigenous African religion, with estimates of adherents ranging from several million to over 100 million globally when including various forms and syncretic practices (though figures vary widely across sources, often cited in the tens of millions for direct and indirect participants).

Through syncretism—blending with Catholicism and local elements—it gave rise to major Afro-American religions:

Candomblé (especially the Ketu/Nagô branch) in Brazil, heavily Yoruba-derived, venerating orixás through music, dance, and rituals. It's a cornerstone of Afro-Brazilian identity, particularly in Bahia, influencing cuisine (e.g., acarajé), festivals, and spiritual practices.

Santería (also known as Regla de Ocha or Lucumí) in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and parts of the US — directly rooted in Yoruba traditions brought by enslaved Lucumí (Yoruba) people. Orishas are syncretized with Catholic saints (e.g., Shango with St. Barbara), with practices like divination, possession, and offerings remaining vibrant.

- Related traditions include Umbanda (Brazil), Trinidad Orisha, and others across the Caribbean and Latin America.

These religions preserve Yoruba cosmology while adapting to new contexts, serving as powerful acts of cultural resistance and survival. In modern times, a "Yorubization" trend in some communities emphasizes direct African roots over syncretic elements, reinforcing connections to the homeland.

Art and Visual Culture

Yoruba art is renowned for its sophistication and has influenced global aesthetics for centuries:

 Ancient bronze and terracotta sculptures from Ife, celebrated as masterpieces of realism and spiritual expression.

 Intricate wood carvings, masks (e.g., Gelede, Egungun), and twin figures (Ibeji).

These works symbolize themes of ancestry, divinity, and balance, inspiring modern artists worldwide and appearing in major museums globally.

In the diaspora, Yoruba-inspired art manifests in sacred objects for Candomblé and Santería rituals, as well as in contemporary Afro-diasporic visual arts, contributing to broader conversations on African heritage and creativity.

 Music and Performance

Yoruba music—featuring iconic talking drums (dundun), bata drums, call-and-response singing, and rhythms tied to rituals—has profoundly shaped global genres:  Traditional elements underpin Afrobeat (pioneered by Yoruba legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti), and jùjú pioneer by King Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi. fuji music was pioneer by Sikiri Ayinde Barrister, Killington Ayinla while apala music was pioneer by Ayinla Omowura, Haruna Ishola and highlife in Nigeria.

 Diaspora rhythms fed into salsa, rumba, reggae, and other Afro-Caribbean/Latin styles through religious ceremonies.

 Today's Nigerian music scene, including Afrobeats stars like Wizkid, Kiss Daniel, Tiwa Savage, Olamide, Burna Boy and Davido, frequently draws on Yoruba oral traditions, praise poetry (oríkì), and cultural motifs, propelling these sounds to international charts and festivals.

Music acts as a living repository of history, philosophy, and social commentary in Yoruba culture, bridging generations and continents.

 Literature and Oral Traditions

Yoruba oral literature—oríkì praise poetry, proverbs, folktales, and myths—is rich, performative, and deeply philosophical. It has influenced, written Yoruba literature, exemplified by Nobel laureate and Professor of Dramatic Literature, Wole Soyinka, who weaves Yoruba mythology into works like Death and the King's Horseman.

Nollywood films (Yoruba-language cinema), which export stories rooted in cultural values to millions worldwide. Global storytelling through diaspora adaptations in novels, poetry, and performance art.

Overall Global Footprint

As explored in works like Toyin Falola's Global Yoruba, the Yoruba cultural matrix has become truly "borderless" through migration. It enriches decolonization discourses, multicultural identities (e.g., in UK Aladura churches), and creative industries across the world. While the Yoruba may not be the numerically largest ethnic group, their culture's visibility in religion, music, film, and art gives it an outsized global resonance, often more prominent than population size alone might suggest.

From the sacred groves of Osun-Osogbo to the vibrant streets of Bahia and Havana, and from Lagos to global stages, Yoruba heritage continues to inspire, adapt, and thrive. It's a testament to resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of cultural exchange.

20 Transformative Wins Under President Tinubu: Nigeria's Resurgence in the Global Spotlight

Yemi Olakitan 

In the two and a half years since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office on May 29, 2023, Nigeria has undergone a remarkable transformation. From economic revitalization to enhanced global standing, his administration's reforms have propelled the nation forward, defying skeptics and laying the foundation for sustained growth. While challenges persist, these 12 key developments highlight a story of progress that's often overshadowed by partisan noise. Let's dive into the facts that paint a picture of a Nigeria on the rise.

1. Stock Market Soars to Historic Heights

On January 5, 2026, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) achieved a monumental milestone: its total market capitalization crossed the ₦100 trillion threshold for the first time, closing at ₦101.807 trillion. This surge reflects investor confidence in Tinubu's pro-business policies, signaling a robust equity market that's attracting both domestic and international capital.

2. GDP Growth: A $67 Billion Boost

President Tinubu has supercharged Nigeria's economy, adding $67 billion to the GDP in just over two years. Starting from ₦269.29 trillion at his inauguration, the economy now stands at ₦372.8 trillion. This expansion shows effective fiscal management and strategic investments in key sectors like agriculture, technology, and infrastructure.

3. Debt Reduction Amid Fiscal Discipline

Inheriting a daunting $113 billion debt burden, Tinubu's administration has trimmed it down to $97 billion through prudent borrowing and revenue optimization. This reduction eases pressure on future generations and frees up resources for development projects, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable financial health.

4. Global Recognition from The Economist and IMF

Last week, The Economist Magazine heralded the potential return of Nigeria's "golden years" thanks to Tinubu's bold reforms. Adding to the acclaim, the IMF ranked Nigeria as the sixth-largest contributor to global GDP growth in 2025—a feat celebrated by Elon Musk, the world's richest individual. These endorsements affirm Nigeria's pivotal role in the world economy.

5. From Importer to Exporter: Petroleum Sector Reversal

When Tinubu assumed office, Nigeria was Africa's largest importer of refined petroleum products, as per CITAC research. Today, South Africa holds that title, while Nigeria has flipped the script to become West Africa's top exporter of petroleum products. This shift, driven by refinery revitalization and anti-smuggling measures, boosts energy security and export revenues.

6. Taming Inflation and Building Reserves

Inflation has plummeted from a 30-year peak of 34.8% in December 2024 to a historic low of 15.2% by December 2025. Concurrently, foreign reserves are nearing $50 billion, providing a buffer against external shocks. These metrics reflect the Central Bank's effective monetary policies under Tinubu's guidance.

7. Record Trade Surpluses Signal Export Strength

Nigeria posted a $6.83 billion trade surplus in 2024—its highest ever—and is poised to surpass it in 2025. This positive balance of trade highlights diversification efforts beyond oil, with gains in manufacturing, agro-processing, and services, fostering job creation and economic resilience.

 8. Passport Power: Climbing the Global Ranks

The Nigerian passport has risen from 97th to 88th on the Henley Passport Index, granting visa-free access to more destinations. This upgrade enhances mobility for Nigerians, boosts tourism, and reflects improved diplomatic relations under Tinubu's foreign policy.

9. Unprecedented Foreign Portfolio Investment

In 2025, Nigeria attracted a record $20 billion in foreign portfolio investment, shattering previous highs. This influx underscores global trust in the nation's stability and growth potential, funding infrastructure and innovation across sectors.

10. Historic State Visit to the UK

For the first time in 37 years, a Nigerian leader is undertaking a State Visit to the United Kingdom. This diplomatic milestone strengthens bilateral ties, opens doors for trade deals, and positions Nigeria as a key player in Commonwealth affairs.

11. Credit Rating Upgrade and Financial Inclusion

In April 2025, Fitch Ratings elevated Nigeria's Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating from 'B-' to 'B', citing strong economic policies. This paved the way for American Express to launch its first business credit card in Nigeria, expanding credit access and empowering entrepreneurs to scale their ventures.

12. Oil Production Boom and Theft Crackdown

Nigeria has exceeded its OPEC quota for four straight months, averaging 1.71 million barrels per day, with a fifth month on track. Oil theft has dropped to under 10,000 barrels daily—a 16-year low—thanks to enhanced security and technology. This revival maximizes revenues and stabilizes the energy sector.

13. Flagship Infrastructure Renewal: Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway

This ambitious 700+ km project is advancing rapidly, with significant financing secured (e.g., $1.126 billion for Phase 1, Section 2), active construction in multiple states, and early sections commissioned, promising to revolutionize trade, tourism, and connectivity along the coast.

14. Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway Progress

Design and construction of this 1,000 km corridor linking the North to the Southwest are underway, boosting economic integration, job creation, and regional development as part of Tinubu's nationwide road network vision.

15. Revolutionary Student Loan Scheme

The NELFUND initiative has disbursed billions in tuition and upkeep loans to hundreds of thousands of students (over 1 million applications), providing equal access to higher education and including monthly stipends—the first of its kind in Nigeria.

16. End to Prolonged ASUU Strikes

Under Tinubu, ASUU has seen minimal industrial action (only brief warnings), with sustained dialogues, improved remuneration, and an enabling environment for research and teaching, ensuring stable academic calendars for the first time in decades.

17. Health Sector Stability

Health workers' strikes have largely ceased, with better welfare measures and negotiations creating a more conducive environment for medical services and reducing disruptions in public healthcare.

18. Electricity Sector Reforms and Improved Supply

Bold reforms, including the Electricity Act 2023 decentralizing power to states, have led to noticeable improvements in supply. Many Nigerians are increasingly abandoning generators as reliable electricity becomes more accessible in key areas.

19. Diplomatic Mastery with the US Amid Challenges

Facing threats from President Trump over terrorism and related issues, Tinubu deftly turned the tide, fostering cooperation against shared threats like terrorism while upholding Nigeria's sovereignty and brokering stronger US-Nigeria security ties.

20. Broader Renewed Hope Momentum

These wins are part of a holistic push: from zero-interest loans for tertiary staff to expanded women empowerment programs, Tinubu's administration is building inclusive growth and national pride.

The opposition often fixates on  negatives, amplifying them while downplaying these substantial feats. Why the eagerness to undermine Nigeria's progress? Partisanship or pessimism shouldn't obscure the facts. These achievements demonstrate what focused leadership can deliver.

Nigeria is rising, let's celebrate the wins and build on them. What do you think of this progress? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

Aworiland in Lagos: Mapping the Ancestral Footprint of Lagos State's Earliest Settlers

Long before Lagos became a megacity of glass towers and expressways, its lagoons, creeks, and forested stretches were home to the Awori people,  a distinct sub-ethnic group of the Yoruba whose presence shaped the foundations of what is now Nigeria’s commercial capital. Today, debates over ownership, origin, and identity still swirl around Lagos history, but few dispute the depth of the Awori footprint across the state.

Who the Awori Are

The Awori are a Yoruba sub-group with a recognizable dialect and shared cultural heritage. Traditionally, they are found in two Nigerian states: Lagos and Ogun. Their migration and settlement patterns place them among the earliest Yoruba groups to establish permanent communities along the coastal and lagoon areas of the southwest.

Scholars and historians commonly divide Awori settlements into two broad phases: the early Awori and the latter Awori groups. Early settlements included Otta, Ado-Odo, Isheri, Otto-Awori, Iddo, Ebute Metta, Apa, and Ibereko, communities that later became critical nodes in Lagos’ expansion.

Awori and the Making of Lagos

Awori history is inseparable from the story of Lagos itself. Many historians regard the Awori as the earliest dominant indigenous group in Lagos, predating later political influences from the Benin Kingdom. In an interview with The Punch, the late Nigerian lawyer and elder statesman, Lateef Olufemi Okunnu, described the Awori as the original inhabitants of Lagos State, noting that they settled in the area roughly 500 years ago,  long before the Bini incursion.

Awori political organization in early Lagos revolved around the Idejo chiefs, powerful land-holding families who governed vast territories and enforced customs that protected communal land ownership. According to Awori-born legal practitioner and former Ondo State commissioner, Sola Ebiseni, these systems ensured both possession and expansion of Awori lands across key parts of Lagos.

Where the Awori Live in Lagos

Historically, significant Awori populations spread across what later became Lagos Island, the Mainland, and coastal districts. Notable Awori communities include Apapa, Ajegunle, Makoko, Iwaya, Ikeja, Bariga, Oko Baba, Oto, Ebute-Metta, Oyingbo, Ijora, Igbo Elejo, Ojo, and Aloro Island off the Kirikiri coast, Oshodi-Isolo, Egbeda, Mushin. Others include Ajah, Badore, Iton Agan, Oworonsoki, Agboyi, Bayeku, and surrounding lagoon settlements.

Awori people constituted the bulk of the indigenous population in sixteen of Lagos State’s twenty local government areas.

Only Epe, Ikorodu, and Ibeju-Lekki were identified as having minimal Awori presence. Across these areas, the Awori established multiple kingdoms and chiefdoms that continue to influence local traditional structures.

Contested Narratives and Modern Debates

Despite extensive historical claims, Awori indigeneity has not gone unchallenged. In 2017, Erelu Kuti of Lagos, Abiola Dosunmu, sparked controversy by arguing that Lagos was originally an extension of the Benin Kingdom and that the Awori were not the first “owners” of the land. She claimed that Awori settlers initially paid royalties to the Oba of Benin.

Her position was publicly disputed by the Oba of Lagos, who acknowledged Benin’s role in Lagos’ political evolution but rejected the idea that Benin owned the territory. The debate highlighted how Lagos history sits at the crossroads of migration, conquest, and cultural exchange rather than a single, linear narrative.

Aworiland and the Question of Representation

In more recent political discussions, the Awori Welfare Association of Nigeria (AWAN) has advocated for increased local government representation rather than the creation of new states. During debates over a proposed Lagoon State, AWAN argued that further state creation could deepen minority marginalization without adequate consultation.

Communities identified as Aworiland in that proposal included Apapa, Iganmu, Somolu, Bariga, Akoka, Eti-Okun, Iwerekun, Kosofe, Agboyi, Ketu, Obalende/Ikoyi, Iru–Victoria Island, Eti-Osa East, West and Central, Etikun, Alimosho, Ibeshe, and Majidun, revealing  how deeply Awori territories are woven into modern Lagos.

Beyond Lagos: The Ogun Connection

Outside Lagos, Awori communities in Ogun State are concentrated in the Ogun West Senatorial District, covering about 37 percent of the state’s landmass and roughly 31 percent of its population. This continuity across state lines reflects older boundaries drawn by migration and kinship, not colonial maps.

From lagoon settlements to mainland towns, the Awori story is etched into Lagos geography. Understanding their territories offers more than a lesson in history; it provides a clearer lens through which to view ongoing conversations about identity, land, and belonging in Nigeria’s most complex city.

A Mother’s Blessing Is a Shield: Why Ifá’s 2026 Message Centers Iyami and Family Protection

 

In Yoruba spirituality, power does not always roar. Sometimes, it whispers. Sometimes, it cooks your meals, braids your hair, scolds you into wisdom, and prays over you when you are not in the room. That power is Iyami—the primal, maternal force—and according to Ifá’s 2026 outlook, ignoring it comes at a cost.

This year’s spiritual emphasis is not about conquest or personal glory. It is about home. About lineage. About the invisible hands that guard families when the world grows harsh. Ifá is reminding us of an ancient truth many have forgotten: no one rises higher than the blessing of their mother—biological or spiritual.

Who Are Iyami, Really?

Iyami is often misunderstood, even feared. Popular narratives flatten them into something dark or malevolent. But in Yoruba cosmology, Iyami refers to the collective power of mothers—life-givers, protectors, and enforcers of cosmic balance. They are the custodians of creation itself.

To be clear: Iyami is not about gender alone. It is about source power. The womb that births, the voice that warns, the authority that decides whether a lineage thrives or collapses.

Ifá teaches that when Iyami are honored, society flourishes. When they are mocked, silenced, or ignored, chaos follows quietly—through broken homes, restless children, and unexplainable misfortune.

Why 2026 Brings Iyami to the Forefront

Ifá’s 2026 message is striking in its focus. Rather than pushing individuals to chase status, wealth, or public victories, the divination points inward. It warns that external success built on internal neglect will not stand.

This is a year where spiritual vulnerability begins at home.

Families are under pressure—emotionally, economically, spiritually. Ifá acknowledges this strain and responds with a directive: protect the source. Heal maternal lines. Reconcile with mothers. Respect elders. Restore family rituals. Speak blessings into children before the world speaks fear into them.

The emphasis on Iyami is not mystical drama. It is spiritual realism.

The Mother’s Blessing as Spiritual Insurance

In Yoruba thought, a mother’s words carry weight beyond emotion. A blessing spoken by a mother—or a woman standing in that maternal authority—travels. It follows you into unfamiliar cities. It negotiates battles you do not see.

Likewise, unresolved conflict with maternal figures weakens spiritual defenses. Ifá does not moralize this. It states it plainly: when the gatekeeper of life is offended, protection thins.

That is why elders say “Iya ni wura”—mother is gold. Not sentimentally. Strategically.

 Family Protection Is the New Prosperity

Ifá’s 2026 message reframes success. What is wealth if children are spiritually exposed? What is achievement if families are fragile? This year asks harder questions and offers older answers.

Protection begins with acknowledgment:

Checking on your mother’s wellbeing

Repairing long-standing family rifts

Teaching children their lineage with pride

Honoring women who carry family burdens quietly

These are not small acts. They are spiritual infrastructure.

A Gentle Warning, A Loving Reminder

Ifá does not threaten. It advises. The focus on Iyami in 2026 is a reminder wrapped in compassion: do not abandon the hands that held you first.

In a noisy world chasing speed and spectacle, Yoruba spirituality pauses us and says, go home. Not just physically, but spiritually. Return to the source. Mend what was broken. Say the thank you, you delayed. Ask for the blessing you assumed you no longer needed.

Because in the end, the strongest protection is not armor.

It is a mother’s prayer spoken in your absence, and remembered by the universe.

Esu Is Not Satan: How a Yoruba Deity Was Miscast and Misunderstood

African traditional religions are among the most misunderstood belief systems in the world, and within the Yoruba pantheon, no figure has suffered more distortion than Esu.

At Ojuelegba, one of Lagos’ busiest transit points linking the Mainland to the Island, a small white shrine bears the inscription “Ojubo Esu.” It stands quietly amid traffic, churches, billboards, and commerce. In one of the most evangelical Christian societies on earth, its presence is a reminder that indigenous African spirituality is neither extinct nor hidden. It is still lived, still practiced, and still contested.

Yet for many Nigerians, especially those shaped by missionary Christianity, Esu has become shorthand for evil itself. To say “Na devil do am” is to excuse wrongdoing by blaming an external, malevolent force—often unconsciously equated with Esu. This association, however, is not native to Yoruba cosmology. It is the result of history, translation, and power.

A Faith System Misread

The Aborisa religious system that emerged among the Yoruba people is structured around a supreme creative force, Olodumare, and a constellation of primordial beings known as *orisa*. These orisa embody elements of nature, moral forces, and human experience. Guidance flows through divination, ritual, and ancestral communion. Far from chaos, the system is ordered, ethical, and philosophical.

Across the Atlantic, through enslavement and diaspora, Aborisa beliefs took root in Cuba, Brazil, Haiti, and the United States, influencing religions such as Santería, Candomblé, and Vodou. Globally, Yoruba deities have entered popular culture—Osun invoked in Beyoncé’s “Hold Up,” Oya inspiring characters like Storm in X-Men, and Sango becoming the subject of Nigerian animated projects.

Esu, however, remains conspicuously absent from this celebration, despite his central role in Yoruba thought.

Who Esu Really Is

In Yoruba cosmology, Esu is not a force of evil. He is the divine messenger and enforcer of balance—the intermediary between humans, the orisa, and Olodumare. No ritual proceeds without acknowledging him. He governs crossroads, choice, consequence, and moral accountability. Esu does not compel wrongdoing; he reveals intention and ensures that actions meet their outcomes.

This complexity does not fit neatly into a Christian moral binary of good versus evil. And that mismatch is where the trouble began.

The Translation That Changed Everything

In 1821, a young Yoruba boy named Ajayi was kidnapped with his family and placed on a slave ship bound for the Americas. British forces intercepted the vessel, and Ajayi was freed. He later became Samuel Ajayi Crowther—bishop, linguist, and one of the most influential African Christian missionaries of the 19th century.

Crowther played a key role in translating the Bible into Yoruba. When faced with rendering the concept of Satan, the translators chose an existing Yoruba deity: Esu. Jesus became *Jesu Kristi*. Satan became Esu.

That single decision reshaped religious understanding for generations.

Suddenly, a complex cosmological figure was recast as the embodiment of Christian evil. Over time, this translation collapsed two distinct theological systems into one, positioning Yoruba spirituality as something sinister rather than separate. Aborisa practitioners were no longer followers of an ancestral faith; they were framed as devil worshippers.

The debate over Crowther’s intentions continues. Some, like journalist Remi Oyeyemi, argue that the choice was deliberate, a conscious act of misrepresentation rooted in historical resentment. Others insist it was a theological convenience, an attempt to bridge conceptual gaps for new converts. What is clear is that Yoruba cosmology paid the price.

A Conflict of Belief

The consequences have been profound. For many Nigerians, Christianity and ancestral religion are no longer seen as parallel traditions but as enemies. Indigenous belief systems are often dismissed as backward, dangerous, or demonic. This has fueled cultural shame and religious intolerance, cutting many off from their own intellectual and spiritual heritage.

Yet the original Yoruba worldview never described Esu as a fallen angel or rebel cast out of heaven. That narrative belongs to Christian theology, not Aborisa cosmology.

As Bishop Crowther himself once wrote, Esu is an executor of divine will, not its opponent.

 Reclaiming Esu

In recent years, a quiet reawakening has begun. Cultural scholars, artists, and Aborisa practitioners are pushing back against centuries of distortion. Online campaigns such as EsuIsNotSatan have gained traction, encouraging Nigerians, especially younger generations, to revisit Yoruba spirituality on its own terms.

Digital platforms have allowed practitioners to speak openly, explain rituals, and challenge caricatures that once went unopposed. Rather than asking for validation from Christianity, they are asserting intellectual and spiritual sovereignty.

Whether this shift will lead to widespread re-education remains uncertain. What is certain is that Esu’s story exposes a larger truth: how colonialism, translation, and religion can reshape identities, turning guardians into villains and philosophy into heresy.

At the crossroads, Esu’s domain, the question now facing Nigeria is one of choice. Continue inheriting a misunderstanding, or return to the nuance of a belief system that long predates the labels imposed upon it.

Five Reasons President Tinubu Deserves a Second Term in 2027

 

Tinubu

As Nigeria looks ahead to the 2027 general election, debates over leadership, performance and the future of the country are gaining momentum. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, though operating in a period of deep economic and social challenges, has pursued far-reaching reforms that are reshaping governance and the economy. Supporters argue that continuity is crucial to consolidating these changes. Here are five reasons many believe President Tinubu merits another mandate in 2027.

1. Bold Economic Reforms, Not Easy Politics

One of the defining features of Tinubu’s presidency has been his willingness to take politically risky decisions in the interest of long-term stability. The removal of fuel subsidy and the push to unify the foreign exchange market were tough choices that previous administrations avoided. While painful in the short term, these reforms aim to free up public funds, reduce corruption and place the economy on a more transparent footing. Backers say abandoning the process midway could reverse hard-won gains.

2. Focus on Fiscal Responsibility and Revenue Growth

Under Tinubu, the Federal Government has intensified efforts to broaden the tax base and improve revenue collection rather than relying heavily on borrowing. By strengthening institutions such as the Federal Inland Revenue Service and promoting efficiency in government spending, the administration is working to reduce fiscal leakages. Proponents argue that a second term would allow these policies to mature and translate into more sustainable public finances.

3. Renewed Push for Infrastructure Development

Infrastructure remains central to Tinubu’s development agenda. From road and rail projects to power sector reforms, the administration has signaled continuity with an emphasis on private sector participation and alternative financing models. Supporters believe that sustained leadership is essential to complete ongoing projects and unlock their full economic benefits, particularly in trade, transportation and energy.

4. Experience in Governance and Political Consensus-Building

Tinubu’s long career in public service, notably as former governor of Lagos State, is often cited as a strength. He is widely regarded as a strategic thinker with the ability to build alliances across Nigeria’s diverse political landscape. In a country where reforms often stall due to political resistance, advocates say his experience positions him to navigate complex negotiations and maintain policy direction.

5. A Case for Stability and Policy Continuity

In an era of global uncertainty and domestic transformation, stability is a powerful argument. Supporters contend that frequent changes in leadership often lead to abandoned policies and stalled reforms. Voting Tinubu in 2027, they argue, would provide continuity, allow current reforms to take root and give Nigerians a clearer basis to judge long-term outcomes rather than short-term disruptions.

As the election approaches, Nigerians will weigh competing visions for the country’s future. For those who prioritize continuity, structural reform and experienced leadership, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s record offers reasons to consider a second term in 2027.

Lagos Emerges as World’s Fastest-Growing Tech Ecosystem in Global Ranking

Lagos has been ranked the world’s fastest-growing emerging technology ecosystem, outpacing major innovation hubs across Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, according to the Global Tech Ecosystem Index (GTEI) 2025 released by global data platform Dealroom.

The Nigerian commercial capital claimed the top spot on the World’s Top 20 Fastest-Growing Emerging Tech Ecosystems list, strengthening its reputation as Africa’s leading technology hub and an increasingly influential player on the global innovation stage.

Lagos finished ahead of Istanbul, Turkey, which ranked second, and Pune, India, in third place. Other cities in the top 10 include Belo Horizonte and Curitiba in Brazil, Mumbai and Chennai in India, Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, Johannesburg in South Africa, and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

According to Dealroom, the ranking measures growth across key indicators such as startup formation, venture capital investment, talent concentration, and overall ecosystem maturity. The 2025 index places particular emphasis on cities outside traditional global tech capitals, highlighting how innovation is accelerating in new and previously underrepresented markets.

Lagos’ rise has been driven by a surge in fintech, e-commerce, logistics, health tech, and creative technology startups, alongside growing interest from local and international investors. The city is home to several of Africa’s most valuable startups and attracts a significant share of the continent’s venture capital funding.

Industry analysts say the ranking reflects Lagos’ ability to combine a large consumer market, entrepreneurial talent, and increasing digital adoption, despite ongoing challenges such as infrastructure gaps and regulatory pressures.

With its top placement in the GTEI 2025, Lagos continues to position itself not just as Africa’s tech capital, but as one of the most dynamic emerging innovation ecosystems in the world.

Source: Dealroom, Global Tech Ecosystem Index (GTEI) 2025

Fela Kuti: From Lagos Shrine to Grammy Glory: Fela's Historic Lifetime Achievement Award

 

FELA KUTI

Yemi Olakitan 

For nearly three decades since his death in 1997, Fela Anikulapo Kuti—affectionately called Abami Eda (the strange one) or the King of Afrobeat—has been celebrated by fans, activists, and musicians worldwide. Yet the global music establishment, embodied by the Grammys, long overlooked him. That changes in 2026: Fela will posthumously receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming the first African, ever to earn this honor in the award's 63-year history.

This isn't just an award, it's a seismic shift. The Recording Academy's recognition places Fela alongside legends like Carlos Santana, Chaka Khan, Paul Simon, and others in this year's class. More importantly, it validates the revolutionary power of Afrobeat, a genre he co-created with drummer Tony Allen, blending highlife, jazz, funk, Yoruba rhythms, extended jams, and unapologetic political commentary.

Fela's life was defiance incarnate. Born Olufela Ransome-Kuti, he rejected colonial vestiges (dropping "Ransome" from his name), championed pan-Africanism, and used music to lambast corruption and military rule in Nigeria. 

His 1976 track Zombie mocked soldiers as mindless puppets, provoking a savage 1977 raid on his Kalakuta Republic compound. His mother, activist Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, died from injuries sustained. Undeterred, Fela turned tragedy into protest with Coffin for Head of State.

His Afrika Shrine performances weren't mere concerts, they were rallies, spiritual gatherings, and communal resistance spaces. Bare-chested, saxophone blazing, leading ensembles like Africa '70 and Egypt '80, Fela created music as mission. As longtime manager Rikki Stein recalls, audiences didn't applaud; they participated.

This Grammy nod arrives amid Afrobeats' global explosion—think Burna Boy's nomination and the Grammys' 2024 Best African Music Performance category. It's "better late than never," as Stein says, and a "double victory" per Seun Kuti, who notes it balances Fela's narrative.

Fela didn't seek awards; he sought free minds. Yet this honor cements his immortality. As album cover artist Lemi Ghariokwu declares, "Fela has been an ancestor for 28 years. His legacy is growing by the day. This is immortality."

In a world still grappling with injustice, Fela's sound—rhythmic, rebellious, rooted—remains a call to action. The Grammys' belated embrace doesn't diminish his independence; it amplifies how one man's fearless groove can reshape global music forever.

Long live Fela. The Shrine echoes on.

Africa’s Digital Gold Rush: How Nigeria and Emerging Hubs Are Powering a New Tech Economy

By Yemi Olakitan

Across Africa, a quiet but determined tech surge is rewriting old economic stories. From Lagos to Nairobi, Kigali to Accra, digital innovation is no longer a side conversation, it’s fast becoming a core driver of growth, jobs, and global relevance. At the center of this momentum sits Nigeria, whose startup ecosystem now acts as both a bellwether and a launchpad for the continent’s wider tech ambitions.

Nigeria’s rise as a tech heavyweight

Nigeria’s digital economy has grown on the back of necessity, creativity, and scale. With one of the world’s youngest populations and deep mobile penetration, the country became fertile ground for fintech, e-commerce, edtech, and health tech solutions. Startups like Flutterwave, Paystack, Andela, and Moniepoint showed that African companies could build globally competitive products while solving local problems.

What makes Nigeria stand out is demand. Millions remain underserved by traditional banking, logistics, and public services. Startups stepped into those gaps with mobile-first tools, creating platforms that feel native rather than imported. The result is an ecosystem driven by real usage, not hype.

Startup ecosystems beyond Lagos

While Lagos remains the continent’s most visible tech hub, Africa’s digital growth is increasingly decentralized. Nairobi continues to lead in climate tech and agritech, supported by strong research institutions and donor-backed innovation. Rwanda has positioned itself as a testbed for smart governance and health innovation, pairing policy clarity with infrastructure. Ghana’s Accra is emerging as a fintech and creative-tech hotspot, benefiting from political stability and cross-border collaboration.

This spread matters. It reduces risk, encourages specialization, and proves that Africa’s tech story isn’t tied to one city or country.

Funding shifts and local resilience

Venture capital flows into Africa cooled slightly after the global tech slowdown, but the ecosystem didn’t stall. Instead, startups adjusted, focusing on revenue, efficiency, and regional expansion rather than rapid burn. There’s also growing interest in local capital, corporate venture arms, and public-private partnerships, especially in Nigeria and Kenya.

Another notable shift is the rise of infrastructure startups: data centers, cloud services, payments rails, and logistics platforms. These may not grab flashy headlines, but they form the backbone that future innovation depends on.

Policy, talent, and the road ahead

Governments now play a bigger role than ever. Nigeria’s digital economy policies, startup acts in countries like Tunisia and Senegal, and continent-wide frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area are slowly reducing friction for founders. Talent, too, is a major export. African developers are in global demand, and many are now choosing to build from home rather than relocate.

Challenges remain, power supply, broadband access, regulatory uncertainty, but the trajectory is clear. Africa is no longer just adopting technology; it’s shaping it to fit its realities.

Why this moment matters

The growth of regional tech economies in Africa signals something deeper than startup success stories. It points to a future where innovation is not imported, where solutions are built by those who understand the problems firsthand, and where digital tools become engines of inclusion.

For Nigeria and its peers, the next chapter isn’t about catching up. It’s about setting their own pace, and inviting the world to pay attention.

When the Ancestors Speak: Ooni, Oshoosi and the Moral Call of the 2026 World Obatala Festival

As dusk settled over Ile-Ife on Friday, the ancient city once again reminded the world why it is regarded as the spiritual heart of the Yoruba people. Beneath the soft glow of sacred lamps at the Obatala Holy Temple, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, stepped into his role not just as a monarch, but as a bridge between the living, the ancestors and the future of a nation.

The occasion was Oshoosi Day, one of the most spiritually charged moments of the ongoing 2026 World Obatala Festival. Clad in immaculate white regalia, a symbol of purity and moral authority, the Ooni led ancestral rites steeped in centuries-old Yoruba tradition. Prayers, libations and invocations rose into the night, calling on Olodumare, the Supreme Being, and the spirits of revered forebears to bless Nigeria with peace, renewal and moral clarity.

At the heart of the observance was Oshoosi, the Orisa of precision, focus and righteous victory. In Yoruba cosmology, Oshoosi never loses his way, never misses his target. By invoking his spirit, the Ooni was making a profound statement about Nigeria’s present struggles and future direction. This was not ritual for ritual’s sake. It was a deliberate spiritual appeal for clarity of purpose, justice in leadership and triumph over forces that threaten unity and stability.

Symbolic items associated with Oshoosi were presented at the altar, each representing discipline, provision and purposeful pursuit. Traditional chants and sacred incantations followed, rendered by chief priests to invite ancestral presence and intervention. In those moments, the Obatala Temple became more than a place of worship; it became a space of national introspection.

Through the rites, prayers were offered for farmers, hunters, artisans and all whose livelihoods depend on the land. There were also pointed supplications for Nigeria’s leaders, security institutions and young people. The message was clear: a society loses its way when it loses its moral compass. Reconnecting with ancestral values, the Ooni stressed, is a pathway to restoring balance.

Obatala, the spiritual centrepiece of the festival, embodies purity, fairness, wisdom and uprightness. As the Orisa of creation, believed to have moulded humanity on behalf of Olodumare, Obatala represents the ethical foundation upon which society should stand. The Ooni’s call for Nigerians of all backgrounds to embrace these values was both inclusive and urgent. It was an appeal that transcended religion, ethnicity and politics, pointing instead to shared human virtues.

The World Obatala Festival, running from January 14 to 27, has grown far beyond a local sacred observance. Today, it is a global gathering that attracts devotees, scholars, traditional custodians and members of the Yoruba diaspora from across continents. From the initiation rites of Osan to intellectual exchanges at the International Colloquium, from processions and exhibitions to communal worship, the festival functions as a living archive of Yoruba civilisation.

Throughout Ile-Ife, white garments dominate the streets, drums echo through ancient quarters, and chants weave together the past and the present. The city itself becomes a canvas of memory, identity and spiritual reflection. In this sense, the festival is not frozen in time. It speaks to contemporary concerns about leadership, ethics and communal responsibility in a rapidly changing world.

Beyond spirituality, the festival has also emerged as a tool of cultural diplomacy, reaffirming Ile-Ife’s place as a centre of tradition, scholarship and moral dialogue. It offers a space where ancient wisdom engages modern realities, where culture becomes a guide rather than a relic.

For the Yoruba people and their descendants worldwide, the World Obatala Festival is more than an annual gathering. It is a reaffirmation of who they are and what they stand for. And on Oshoosi Day, under the guidance of the Ooni of Ife, that reaffirmation took on a national tone, echoing a simple but powerful prayer: that Nigeria, like Oshoosi, may find the right path again, guided by conscience, justice and enduring wisdom.

The World Ọbàtálá Festival 2026: Ile-Ife as a Living Archive of Yoruba Purity and Justice

In 2026, Ile-Ife will once again stand at the spiritual centre of the Yoruba world as devotees, scholars, cultural enthusiasts, and visitors from across the globe gather for the World Ọbàtálá Festival. More than a ceremonial gathering, the festival is a profound cultural statement—one that positions Ile-Ife not as a relic of the past, but as a living archive where Yoruba identity is preserved, renewed, and actively lived.

Ọbàtálá, revered as the Oríṣà of creation, purity, wisdom, and justice, occupies a unique place in Yoruba cosmology. As the custodian of moral clarity and ethical balance, Ọbàtálá represents the ideal of a just society—one anchored in truth, restraint, and respect for human dignity. The annual celebration in Ile-Ife, regarded as the cradle of Yoruba civilization, reconnects the people to these foundational values in ways no written record ever could.

What makes the World Ọbàtálá Festival especially significant is its role as a living archive. Songs, chants, rituals, white garments, sacred processions, and ancient rites passed down through generations are not merely performed; they are remembered in motion. Elders transmit knowledge to younger devotees not through textbooks, but through participation. In this sense, history is not stored on shelves—it walks the streets of Ile-Ife, breathes through its shrines, and speaks through its priests and priestesses.

The festival also serves as a powerful re-affirmation of Yoruba identity in a rapidly globalising world. At a time when indigenous cultures face erosion and misrepresentation, the World Ọbàtálá Festival offers a counter-narrative. It asserts that Yoruba spirituality is not outdated folklore but a sophisticated moral and philosophical system with global relevance. The gathering of Yoruba descendants from the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe, and other parts of Africa underscores this truth, transforming Ile-Ife into a meeting point of memory, belonging, and reconnection.

Purity, a central attribute of Ọbàtálá, is symbolised throughout the festival by the dominant use of white, white clothing, white offerings, and rites emphasising inner cleansing. Yet this purity goes beyond aesthetics. It speaks to clarity of intention, ethical living, and accountability, reminding participants that spirituality is inseparable from daily conduct. In celebrating Ọbàtálá, devotees are called to live justly, speak truthfully, and act with compassion.

Justice, another defining principle of Ọbàtálá, resonates strongly in contemporary times. The festival subtly but firmly reinforces the idea that leadership, whether spiritual or political, must be rooted in fairness and humility. In a society grappling with inequality and moral uncertainty, the rituals and narratives surrounding Ọbàtálá offer a timeless moral compass.

The World Ọbàtálá Festival 2026 is therefore more than a cultural event, it is a living declaration. It declares that Ile-Ife remains the spiritual heartbeat of the Yoruba people. It declares that Yoruba identity is resilient, dynamic, and self-defined. And it declares that purity and justice, as embodied by Ọbàtálá, are not abstract ideals but living values meant to shape the world.

As drums sound and white-clad devotees move through the ancient city, the message is clear: the past is not gone. In Ile-Ife, it lives, and through the World Ọbàtálá Festival, it continues to guide the present and future of the Yoruba world.

Questions Trail Joshua’s Mental Readiness as $1bn Usyk Showdown Is Announced

Anthony Joshua’s reported agreement to face Oleksandr Usyk in a final, winner-takes-all heavyweight showdown has ignited global excitement, and concern, following the recent loss of two of the British boxer’s close friends.

According to reports circulating on Tuesday, Ukrainian heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has signed a contract to fight Joshua one last time in a blockbuster bout valued at an astonishing $1 billion. The winner is expected to walk away with $700 million, while the loser earns $300 million. The fight is scheduled to take place at the Banger Boys Arena, a venue yet to officially confirm the event.

Joshua, a former unified heavyweight champion, has also reportedly accepted the fight and dedicated it to the memory of his late friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Latz, who died in a recent accident. The dedication has drawn emotional reactions from fans and analysts, many of whom are now asking whether the boxer is in the right mental state to prepare for a contest of such magnitude.

The proposed bout would mark the third meeting between Joshua and Usyk. Usyk won the first two encounters, outclassing Joshua on points in 2021 before retaining his titles in a rematch the following year. A third fight, if confirmed, would offer Joshua a chance at redemption and a definitive end to one of the most compelling rivalries in modern heavyweight boxing.

However, beyond the sporting stakes, attention has shifted to Joshua’s emotional wellbeing. The loss of close friends so close to a potential career-defining fight has raised questions about how grief might affect his focus, preparation, and performance inside the ring.

Neither Joshua’s camp nor Usyk’s team has issued an official statement confirming the contract details, while boxing promoters and sanctioning bodies are yet to publicly endorse the figures being reported. Still, the news has sparked intense debate within the boxing community.

If the fight goes ahead as planned, it would not only be one of the most lucrative bouts in boxing history but also one of the most emotionally charged, with Joshua carrying personal loss into a high-pressure battle for legacy, pride, and supremacy in the heavyweight division.