Friends of Professor Funke Chris Ifeta, in conjunction with the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), will host a grand retirement celebration in honour of the distinguished sculptor and scholar under the theme:

“Funke Chris Ifeta: Living Footprints of the Amazon of Nigerian Art.”

Event Details

Date: Thursday, 26th February, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Venue: Ake Palace, Abeokuta, Ogun State

This landmark event will bring together leading figures from Nigeria’s art community, traditional institutions, academia, and cultural leadership to celebrate Professor Ifeta’s decades of impact in sculpture and art education.

Distinguished Personalities

The celebration will be graced by eminent dignitaries, including:

Chief Host:
His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, CFR, Okukenu IV, The Alake of Egbaland

Royal Father of the Day:
His Royal Majesty, Oba Prof. Saka Matemilola Otileta VII, Olowu of Owu Kingdom

Chairman of the Day:
Chief Layi Labode Jr.

Father of the Day:
Prof. Sheriff Abayomi Adetoro

Grand Patron, Ogun State SNA:
Prince (Dr.) Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon

Keynote Speaker:
Prof. Iyabo Khadijat Tijani

Master of Ceremonies:
Dr. Mufu Onifade

Muhammad Sulaiman, fsna
President, Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA)

Event Highlights

Book Presentation in honour of Professor Ifeta

Art Exhibition

Chieftaincy Installation of the Celebrator

This retirement celebration is not merely a ceremonial farewell but a recognition of a towering legacy in Nigerian art. Professor Funke Chris Ifeta’s career as a sculptor, educator, and mentor has shaped generations of artists and strengthened the institutional framework of visual arts practice in Nigeria.

Set against the historic backdrop of Ake Palace in Abeokuta, the event promises to be a defining cultural moment by honouring a woman whose artistic and academic footprints remain indelible in the nation’s creative history.

For the Society of Nigerian Artists and the broader art community, February 26, 2026, will stand as a day of tribute, gratitude, and enduring legacy.

iBAND Magazine, Celebrating Visual Arts from the Original.
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