Oyebanji lists Yemisi Shyllon, Nike Okundaye members of Olowe of Ise Arts Foundation

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has inaugurated the Board of Trustees of the Olowe of Ise Arts Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of the late Olowe Ajalemo, a palace sculptor from Ise-Ekiti.

Olowe, who died in 1934, was known for his artistic dexterity and magnificent works, which are scattered across major museums in America and Europe.

The foundation aims to build a museum in his residence, where his works from abroad will be retrieved and deposited, to attract tourists and investors from around the world.

The Board of Trustees comprises experienced individuals passionate about art and cultural preservation, including Prince Yemisi Shyllon, a leading art collector and philanthropist, Chief Nike Okundaye, a renowned textile artist and social entrepreneur and Senator Babafemi Ojudu.

Nike Okundaye is founder of the famous Nike Art Gallery, while Yemisi Shyllon is a famous arts patron and founder of Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art at Pan-Atlantic University.

Governor Oyebanji expressed his profound appreciation to the trustees for accepting to serve the foundation and said that he hoped that the initiative would inspire a new generation of local artists and artisans to draw upon Olowe’s incredible talent and passion for their own creative endeavours.

The governor said, “The late Olowe Ajalemo from Ise-Ekiti, who died in 1934, was a palace sculptor renowned for his artistic dexterity, with magnificent works scattered across major museums in America and Europe. Unfortunately, he did not receive due recognition during his lifetime.

“To address this, I inaugurated the Board of Trustees of the Olowe of Ise Arts Foundation in Ado Ekiti today. The foundation is being established with the mandate to build a museum in his residence, not only to preserve and promote his legacy and work within Nigeria but also to house all his works from abroad. These works would be retrieved and deposited to attract tourists and investors from around the world.

“The Board of Trustees comprises experienced individuals passionate about art and cultural preservation. They will guide the foundation’s activities, ensure sustainable growth, and bring recognition to Olowe’s works. It is our hope that by undertaking these initiatives, we can inspire a new generation of local artists and artisans to draw upon Olowe’s incredible talent and passion for their own creative endeavours.

“My profound appreciation to renowned art enthusiasts and professionals who have accepted to serve as trustees of the foundation.”