By Toba Babalola
The Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has inaugurated a 13 member board of trustees on Olowe of Ise Art Foundation in furtherance of his plans to construct a befitting museum in honour of the renowned wood Carver and link Ekiti to the global space.
The Board is headed by a former National Assembly member in Ekiti State, Senator Babafemi Ojudu.
The Inauguration of the board was performed at the Exco Chamber, Governor’s office in Ado Ekiti.
Governor Oyebanji explained that the OLOWE of Ise museum was poised to serve as a testament to the remarkable artistic works, history and significance of the world renowned carver.
According to him, the proposed Museum was not only for preservation of Artifacts, but the determination of the state government to safeguarding the Ekiti cultural heritage, artistic contributions and presenting an enduring legacy for the generations to come.
Governor Oyebanji said the 13 member Board of Trustees are men and women who were well known in the tourism sector and charged them to work in tandem with the state government concept.
The State Governor who said that compensations would be made to ensure that the edifice accommodate the necessary facilities, promised to ensure that development springs to the nooks and crannies of the state.
An Architectural footage of the proposed museum was presented at the occasion, while an overview of Olowe of Ise and significance in history was done by Prince Tunde Odunlade.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the committee, Senator Babafemi Ojudu described Governor Oyebanji as the idea leader that Ekiti needed at this time, adding that said the tasks of ensuring the realization of the museum by the team has already begun.
In their goodwill messages the Arinjale of Ise, Oba Ayodele Ajayi, Senator Bunmi Adetumbi, Mrs Yemi Shyllon and Mrs Nike Okundaye, said the proposed museum after completion would bring Ise Ekiti, Ekiti State and Nigeria to the global space.
The Director General, Ekiti State Tourism Agency, Mr Wale Ojo-Lanre, had earlier observed that Olowe’s work had remained unrecognized for the past 70 years, and commended Governor Oyebanji’s commitment to honour the artistic talents of the renowned wood Carver with a befitting museum.
OLOWE of Ise who lived between years 1873 and 1938 was one of the most important 20th Century Artists of the Yoruba people.
