Adeyemi seek Fed Govt”s intervention, support for artists

A renowned member of Osogbo School of Art and former captain of the Duro Ladipo Theatre Group, Prince Yinka Adeyemi has advocated adequate attention and support of federal government for Nigeria creative economy in view of its potential to boost gross domestic earnings of the country 

Adeyemi, who advocated for establishment of proper national gallery in Lagos or Ibadan, emphasised economic prospects of Arts to national development 

Speaking in Ibadan ahead of a grand multimedia arts exhibition tagged: “Metamorphosis”coming up soon in Lagos and Ibadan, he said government must realise that art is a powerful economic driver, adding that Crude oil is diminishing, but art is regenerative and eternal.

The exhibition, organised by the Tunde Odunlade Culture and Arts Foundation (TOCA-F) in collaboration with Master of the Minds Creative Gallery, will highlight   the life, works, and legacy of Adeyemi who recently clocked 80 years. 

He said: “Our works are everywhere in the world, yet many remain uncollected at home. Nigeria needs a proper national gallery in Ibadan or Lagos. The government must realise that art is a powerful economic driver. Crude oil is diminishing, but art is regenerative and eternal.”

Adeyemi while reflecting on his journey said:”Art is creativity. Nobody can do without art. From my youth in 1963, when I joined the plastic arts and followed masquerades in Ile-Ife, to 1966 when we formed the Osogbo group of artists, my passion has been to elevate Nigerian art. Contemporary works of today are the antiquities of tomorrow.”

Adeyemi, whose works have been displayed in museums across the United States, Germany, and India, expressed commitment to mentoring new generations of artists.

His upcoming book, ‘Tanwa’, written in Yoruba, English and French, will also be adapted into a film in partnership with Nollywood actor and producer Gabriel Afolayan.

“We want the world to see this story of ‘lost and found.’ Just as Chinua Achebe’s books were translated into 50 languages, we must make our stories available globally.”

CEO of TOCA-F, Tunde Odunlade emphasised global significance of Adeyemi’s works and the need to celebrate arts icon. 

“Art is the only fully finished product Nigeria exports. While crude oil produces over 400 by-products, art itself is complete, unique, and priceless. Prince Adeyemi has been a cultural ambassador for decades, and it is only right that we celebrate him.

Read Also: How we redefined Adeyemi Varsity, by Acting VC

According to him, the  first leg of the exhibition will open on August 30, 2025, at the Tunde Odunlade Arts and Culture Connexions, Ibadan, curated by Tunde Odunlade. The second phase will hold on September 13, 2025, at The Art Hotel, Lagos, curated by Moses Ohiomokhare, where Adeyemi’s much-anticipated book “Tanwa” will be formally presented to the public.

Owner of Master of the Minds Gallery, Larry Segun-Lean described  Adeyemi as a cultural treasure:

He said: “Adeyemi’s works renew themselves all the time. The U.S. government has recognised his talent, and his gallery is of global value. Any nation without art has no soul. That is why Baba remains a flagbearer of Osogbo art.”

Veteran artist, Dr. Mudiare Onobrakpeya, stated the exhibition “Metamorphosis” is billed not just as a celebration of Adeyemi’s life and works but also as a call for greater investment in Nigeria’s arts and creative economy.

“What we know of Nigeria today is largely because of our artists. They have documented our history for thousands of years. Prince Adeyemi is a classical modern artist, and we must protect and celebrate geniuses like him,” he stated.