Awolowo Returns to Ife in Bronze and Glory

By Ojudu Babafemi 

Friday December 5,2025 was a remarkable day in Ile-Ife. A befitting and imposing statue of Chief Obafemi Awolowo was unveiled at a strategic location on the campus of the Obafemi Awolowo University, the great institution that bears his name and which he conceived. Standing with quiet authority behind the architectural masterpiece known as Oduduwa Hall, the statue faces the iconic Road One—the grand artery through which visitors first encounter the university.

Built at a cost of ₦200 million, the statue was donated by Prince Yemisi Shyllon, the distinguished businessman, engineer, lawyer, and Nigeria’s foremost private patron of the arts. Prince Shyllon has made it his life’s mission to memorialize the finest figures in our national story. Only three weeks ago, he gifted a bronze statue of Dr. Tai Solarin to the Tai Solarin University of Education in Ijebu-Ode. His latest gift continues that noble tradition.

This Awolowo statue—now sitting elegantly in what many regard as the most beautiful campus in Africa—is, in my view, the finest artistic representation of the sage that I have encountered. Across Nigeria, many sculptures of Awolowo exist, but this one stands apart. It captures not only his iconic posture and presence, but also his essence: Awolowo the legal genius, the intellectual, the writer, the visionary who gave so much to his people and to humanity.

The Awolowo family was represented at the ceremony by Dr. Lasisi Olagunju, the respected editor of Nigerian Tribune. Dr. Adeola Balogun, the accomplished sculptor who executed the work, was also present. Prince Shyllon described him as not only a brilliant artist but a man of deep integrity—an endorsement reflected in every detail of the magnificent piece.

It was a privilege for me to witness this unveiling at the invitation of Prince Shyllon, my beloved Egbon and fellow patron of the arts. The event was attended by the principal officers of the university, led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Banire, alongside an impressive number of professors and a large, enthusiastic population of students.

Earlier in the day, Prince Shyllon delivered a profound lecture on wealth and happiness—a talk that received a standing ovation. His reflections on giving, legacy, and the higher purpose of wealth resonated deeply with the audience. He went further to announce that both of us will soon work with the university to develop a plan to strengthen artistic creation—particularly within the Faculty of Arts—and help transform artistic endeavor into commercially viable enterprise.

The day also featured a mini-exhibition showcasing works ranging from pottery to sculpture and painting. Later in the evening, we were treated to a captivating performance of Moremi Ajasoro by students of the Theatre Arts Department—a perfect cultural finale to an inspiring day.