One of Nigeria’s major tribes took centerstage in on the last day of President Muhammadu Buhari’s two-day state visit to Lagos State, South-West Nigeria, when on Tuesday he inaugurated the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History located in the cultural melting pot of Lagos Island.
The President in the company of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; several other dignitaries, including many stakeholders in the entertainment and tourism industries toured the entire facility.
”I declare this site open,” the President had simply said in cutting the tape.
However, no simple matter is the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, which forms part of the urban regeneration at the heart of Lagos Island, a part of the city steeped in rich history.
The centre, which used to serve as a hub for cultural tourism, recreation and entertainment, was originally built in 1928.
It is now redeveloped as a cultural attraction meant to reveal to visitors the time-honoured story of Yoruba ethnicity, one of the most influential in Nigeria.
The site architect, Mr. Damilare Ojewole, who took visitors on tour of the facility, explained that the centre brings to the fore the origin of Yoruba culture.
Ojewole said that the centre educates individuals about the creation of Yoruba empire through Ile-Ori, Ori-Olokun, Esu and more.
According to him, there is another section for recreation where there are large-sized swimming pools and restaurants.
“This place, you will learn about happenings in the Yoruba empire in the olden days and now, the customs and practices.
“We have exhibitions on how naming ceremonies were conducted in the old, divinations; these reveal the various masquerades in Yoruba land. We have contemporary art section, fashion and more.
“At another section, we have a gadget for visitors to check the meaning of their names and we have a good ambience for tales by moonlight.
“The permanent exhibition here celebrates the language, rituals, festivals, deities and ancestry of the Yoruba people at this time and will ensure that the legacy of Yoruba culture and history is kept alive in Lagos,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the centre will afford Yoruba experts and novices to dive into the stories, myths and traditions of Yoruba heritage.
The space provides unbeatable atmosphere for learning programmes, art installations and live music events.
The centre is said to serve as a place for remembrance and reconnection for Yoruba people from Cuba, Brazil, Haiti, America and the Caribbeans, as well as the rest of South-West Nigeria.
It reveals how Yoruba culture continues to influence musicians, other artistes and creative innovators in the present day.
The architecture of the centre takes its cues from traditional Yoruba architecture and craftsmanship, using visual metaphors to reflect the strong art and philosophical origins of the language and culture.
The building form responds to its context in the shape of a fractal, rises from the earth and leans forward (O tesiwaju), reflecting the progressive nature of the Yorubas.
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