Ekiti Govt. to Build Museum for Wood Sculptor, Olowe

By Kazeem Ayodeji

The late Olowe of Ise, a renowned wood sculptor will have a museum dedicated to his legacy at his home in Ise Ekiti by the Ekiti State Government.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji announced this during a visit to the ancient home of the carver in Ise Ekiti, where he expressed his intention to bring back all the carvings that were taken abroad and showcase them in the museum. 

Governor Oyebanji lamented that Olowe’s talent was not appreciated enough in his own country, while most of his splendid works are scattered in foreign museums.

Also, a former senator for Ekiti Central, Babafemi Ojudu, spoke about the importance of repatriating Olowe’s artifacts for the benefit of Ekiti, describing how Olowe’s carvings are admired in different museums in some parts of the world.

On his part, the Arinjale of Ise Ekiti, Oba Adetunji Ajayi, thanked the governor for the move to honour Olowe and put the town on the world map, adding that a committee would be formed to assist the government in achieving its plans for the establishment of the museum.

The late Olowe born in Efon Alaye in 1873 was acknowledged as one of the most important 20th century artists of the Yoruba origin whose works traversed the Western region as well as some foreign countries before he died in 1938.