It was a beautiful drive from Lagos to Abeokuta on 26 February 2026, a journey filled with anticipation, reverence, and pride. The destination was the iconic Ake Palace, where Africa’s illustrious sculptor and teacher, Professor Funke Chris Ifeta, was honoured with a chieftaincy installation, book presentation, and art exhibition in recognition of her landmark contributions to society and Nigerian art.

Words Ireho Aito | Don’t Keep Your Art in the Finger! Photographs iBAND Magazine at Ake, Abeokuta.

The event was hosted by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, CFR okukenu IV the Alake of Egbaland, the ceremony celebrated a woman whose artistic footprints have shaped public spaces and cultural memory. On that historic day, she was conferred with the revered traditional title Afi Ona Pitan of Egbaland, affirming her place as a custodian of history and culture.

The journey itself became part of the story. Behind the wheel was the gentle giant, a grandmaster, Dr. Kunle Adeyemi, fondly called “Mr. Fix It.” Despite spending the previous night at the press finalising the catalogue, event programme, and the book, he remained composed and confident, living up to his moniker. Seated beside him was the distinguished art historian, Sheriff Abayomi Adetoro, whose wealth of knowledge transformed the drive into a rolling seminar. Professor Funke Chris Ifeta wanted him at the ceremony at all cost. That culture of according respect to those who paved the way and cleared your path.

At 87, Professor Sheriff Adetoro’s reflections on art, history, and life enriched everyone in the vehicle, which also included Bafus Gallery founder Tunde Olanipekun. The road to Ake became a moving classroom with a convergence of memory, mentorship, and shared cultural purpose.

Upon arrival, the sacred rites began in the early hours as Professor Ifeta was ushered into the Ipebi for the traditional processes preceding her installation. Family members, colleagues, and dignitaries gathered, including well represented members of the Society of Nigerian Artists led by President Muhammed Suleiman. Her citation, read by Chief Layi Labode Jr., the Are of Egbaland, detailed her immense contributions to Egbaland, Nigeria, and the global art community. The Apena of Egbaland led the performative rites that culminated in her installation, a moment marked by solemnity, pride, and cultural continuity.

Her artistic legacy already lives in the streets and public spaces of Abeokuta and other parts of Nigeria. Among her notable sculptures are the commanding Lisabi Agbongbo Akala statue, very close to the palace, honouring the legendary Egba warrior who led his people to liberation and the celebrated Sodeke statue, both enduring symbols of identity, resistance, and collective memory. These works stand not merely as monuments but as visual and living histories etched into the landscape of Egbaland.

In his royal address, the Alake of Egbaland praised Professor Ifeta as a true daughter of Egbaland and a national treasure whose works adorn Abeokuta with more than seventeen public installations. He urged her to uphold the dignity of the title and continue serving as a cultural ambassador whose art speaks across generations and borders. Deeply moved, the celebrator expressed heartfelt gratitude within the palace walls, thanking His Imperial Majesty, the chiefs, her teachers, colleagues, family members, and the people of Egbaland for finding her worthy of such honour. She described the title as both a privilege and a responsibility, pledging to continue using art as a bridge between heritage and the future, and as a voice for communities whose histories deserve to be seen and remembered.

The ceremony naturally flowed into a reception hosted by the Society of Nigerian Artists, where artists, scholars, and cultural leaders gathered in celebration of one of their own who is a visual artist, former national president, for the records, the first female national president of the association. The hall shimmered with pride and solidarity as tributes poured in.

Chief Layi Labode Jr., Are of Egbaland and chief launcher of the book, a prolific art collector, described Professor Ifeta as a role model for Nigerian women and praised her Lisabi sculpture as the only globally recognised image of the warrior. He encouraged Egba artists to elevate their creative vision and move Egba art to greater heights.

At the reception, Professor Ifeta again conveyed her appreciation, thanking the Society of Nigerian Artists for standing by her throughout her career and for organising a celebration that honoured not only her achievements but the collective strength of Nigerian artists. She acknowledged her mentors, colleagues, and students, noting that every sculpture she created carried the fingerprints of shared knowledge and collaboration. She urged younger artists to remain committed to excellence, cultural integrity, and community engagement, reminding them that art is both a personal calling and a public trust.

The exhibition featuring paintings, mixed media, and sculptures was declared open by Professor Sheriff Adetoro and will continue through March, offering the public an opportunity to engage with works that reflect the richness of Nigerian artistic expression.

As the day drew to a close within the historic walls of Ake Palace, it became clear that the gathering was more than ceremonial. It was an affirmation of art as a vessel of memory, identity, and national pride. Professor Funke Chris Ifeta stands as an Amazon of Nigerian art, she is a sculptor of history, a voice for the voiceless, and a beacon whose legacy will guide future generations.

iBAND Magazine, Celebrating Visual Arts from the Original.
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