The ancient city of Ibadan added another chapter to its rich cultural history as dignitaries, museum professionals, traditional stakeholders, art enthusiasts and members of the public gathered at the National Museum of Unity to witness the unveiling of Iba Oluyole, a monumental sculpture created by acclaimed Nigerian sculptor Wale Asubiojo.
Words Ireho Aito | Don’t Keep Your Art in the Finger! Photographs courtesy Wale Asubiojo
The event formed part of activities marking the 2026 International Museum Day celebration, an occasion observed globally to highlight the role museums play in preserving heritage, fostering dialogue and strengthening communities.
Against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world, the unveiling of the sculpture served as a reminder that history remains a living force. Through sculpture, form and symbolism, Asubiojo’s work pays tribute to the enduring legacy of Oluyole, one of the most influential figures in Ibadan’s history whose leadership and military prowess helped shape the city’s emergence as a major power in Yorubaland.
Representing the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Mr. Olugbile Holloway, Dr. Tirimisiyu Oladeji performed the official unveiling of the sculpture. The occasion attracted a distinguished gathering that included Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism; Prince Sikiru Adeleyin; Alhaji Dr. M. A. Bada; Dr. Olawale Fasasi of the Oyo State Command of the Peace Corps; Chief Mrs. Romoke Ayinde; Oriyomi Otuka Pamela, Curator of the National Museum of Unity, Ibadan and Coordinator of the South-West Museum Zone; and Dr. Peacemaker, representing Prince Yemisi Shyllon.
The unveiling was more than an artistic ceremony. It echoed the global theme of this year’s International Museum Day, “Museums: Uniting a Divided World.” In his address, delivered on behalf of the Director-General, Holloway emphasised the responsibility of museums to promote peace, understanding and shared humanity in a world increasingly challenged by conflict, division and social disruption.
He noted that museums possess powerful resources in their collections, archives, stories and cultural artefacts that can inspire dialogue and encourage mutual respect among communities. According to him, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) selected the 2026 theme in recognition of growing tensions across the globe and the need for institutions such as museums to become active participants in rebuilding trust and fostering coexistence.
The address also highlighted ongoing innovations within Nigeria’s museum ecosystem. Among the notable achievements mentioned were the launch of Nigeria’s first digital museum and the modernisation of exhibition facilities in Lagos to international standards through support from IHS Towers. These initiatives, he said, reflect the determination of the current NCMM leadership to make museums more engaging, accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences.
For many attendees, however, the day’s most memorable statement came not through words but through art itself. Standing proudly within the museum environment, the Iba Oluyole sculpture represents the ability of public art to preserve memory while connecting generations. It transforms history into a visual language that can be experienced by visitors long after speeches have ended.
As guests mingled and reflected on the significance of the unveiling, the atmosphere reinforced a truth central to both museums and monuments which is, cultural heritage remains one of society’s strongest tools for building unity. In celebrating a historic figure through contemporary sculpture, Wale Asubiojo has contributed not only to Nigeria’s artistic landscape but also to the continuing conversation about identity, history and collective memory.
iBAND Magazine, Celebrating Visual Arts from the Original.
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