Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) unveiled a Gelede goddess image mask donated by His Royal Majesty, Oba Owolabi Adesina Adeyemi, Maforunyomi 1, Onisabe of Igbobi-Sabe, Lagos State.
The unveiling ceremony took place during the “Gelede Comes” exhibition organized by the Yaba Art Museum (YAM) in commemoration of the Onisabe’s 10th coronation anniversary. YAM is known for its efforts in training, research, and preservation of cultural heritage through its diverse collection of artworks.
Oba Adeyemi expressed his passion for promoting and preserving Yoruba culture and traditions through the donation. He organized the first Gelede festival in 2022 and believes that the Gelede mask will contribute significantly to YAM’s vision of cultural rebirth and indigenous knowledge propagation.
Dr Adeola Balogun, a Chief Lecturer in the School of Art, Design and Printing (SADP) and Trustee of YAM, highlighted the exhibition’s importance in emphasizing the value of indigenous knowledge systems. He praised the Onisabe for his unwavering support of the Museum and his commitment to preserving Yoruba culture.
YABATECH Rector, Dr. Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, represented by the Deputy Rector Administration, Mr. Uduak Iyang Udoh, welcomed Oba Adeyemi and expressed gratitude for the mask donation. He also congratulated the Onisabe on his 10th anniversary and commended his continued support of the College.
The Curator of YAM, Dr Odun Orimolade, praised Oba Adeyemi for his dedication to preserving Yoruba cultural heritage and emphasized the importance of the Gelede mask as a symbol of this commitment.
Prominent Nigerian art collector, Omooba Yemisi Shyllon, shared his views on the significance of the Gelede mask and its reflection of Yoruba culture’s unique recognition of women’s roles.
Oba Adeyemi expressed his appreciation to YABATECH for celebrating his 10th anniversary and acknowledged Omooba Yemisi Shyllon’s dedication to cultural preservation. He stressed the importance of protecting Yoruba heritage and thanked God for allowing him to witness this milestone.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including royal representatives, artists, and academics, all united in their appreciation for Yoruba culture and its preservation.
