Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has come under fire following his involvement in an upcoming art exhibition, accused of misrepresenting Yoruba culture.
The event, tagged An Owambe Exhibition and scheduled for November in Lagos, draws inspiration from the Yoruba concept of “owanbe,” known for its grand and colourful celebrations. But critics argue that the show, spearheaded by US-based Nigerian artist Uzo Njoku, amounts to cultural appropriation and a distortion of Yoruba heritage.
A petition calling for its cancellation has been gaining traction, while outrage grew over the weekend after a video surfaced showing Aregbe in a meeting with Njoku and lifestyle influencer Noble Igwe. Many viewed the meeting as an endorsement of the project by the Lagos State Government.
Complicating the debate further is the fact that both Njoku and Igwe, who are of Igbo descent, have been outspoken critics of President Bola Tinubu and the ruling APC, fueling political and ethnic undertones around the controversy.
Responding to the backlash, Aregbe released a statement on X (formerly Twitter), insisting his role was not to endorse but to mediate.
“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,” he wrote.
He also described Lagos as a “cultural melting pot,” a phrase that triggered further criticism from those who argue it plays into the narrative of Lagos being “no man’s land.”
Amid calls for his resignation, Aregbe issued a second statement clarifying his stance and affirming Lagos’ Yoruba identity.
“Lagos is Yoruba land. This is undeniable, indisputable and eternal… 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.”
He reiterated his commitment to protecting Yoruba traditions, stressing that Owambe celebrations are uniquely Yoruba and not borrowed from elsewhere.
Despite his clarification, the debate continues to rage online as the countdown to the November exhibition begins.