Soyinka, Obi of Onitsha for Onobrakpeya art exhibition

Some of Nigeria’s foremost cultural, traditional, and political figures are expected to gather in Lagos for a landmark art exhibition celebrating renowned artist Bruce Onobrakpeya.

Among those expected at the event are Nobel laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, and former Ogun State governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel.

Also expected are prominent traditional rulers, including the Oniru of Iruland, the Onigeruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, the Onilado of Ilado and Inagbe, and Oba Bashir Abisoye Odesanya, the Oloto of Otto, Ido and the Mainland Kingdom of Lagos State.

The exhibition, titled “The Gregorian Art Exhibition,” is being organised by the St. Gregory’s College Old Boys Association and curated by Mudiare Onobrakpeya.

It is scheduled to be held at Jubilee Hall, St. Gregory’s College, Ikoyi, Lagos, from April 25 to April 27, 2026.

According to the organisers, the opening ceremony will take place on April 25 at 11:30 a.m. and will be strictly by invitation.

“The grand opening is reserved for VIP viewing,” the organisers said, adding that members of the public will be allowed access from 2:00 p.m. on the same day after the official opening.

They also noted that the exhibition will remain open to the public on April 26 and April 27 from 11:00 a.m. daily.

With the theme “Celebrating Legacy, Excellence and Continuity,” the exhibition is designed to honour Onobrakpeya’s enduring influence on Nigerian modern art.

Organisers described Onobrakpeya as “a pioneer, mentor, and creative visionary whose works have shaped the trajectory of contemporary Nigerian art.”

They added that the exhibition also recognises his status as a UNESCO-recognised Living Human Treasure.

The event will feature works from generations of artists linked to St. Gregory’s College and beyond, including the late Victor Uwaifo, David Dale, and Mike Omoighe, among others.

Other participating artists include Tayo Tekovi Quaye, Quevi Quaye, Lionel Etta, Morgan Nwanguma, Clement and Philip Trimnell, Tony Marinho, Garuba Abdul-Razak, Edwin Inyang, Kweku Quaye, Nse Abasi Inyang, and Joseph Amenechi.

Organisers said the exhibition aims to bridge generations of artists and deepen appreciation of Nigerian visual arts.

“This exhibition is about legacy and continuity. It brings together masters, mid-career artists, and emerging talents in one creative space,” they said.

Art stakeholders also described the event as a cultural convergence of leadership and creativity, noting that it reflects the growing global relevance of Nigerian art.

With its lineup of prominent guests and extensive artistic showcase, the exhibition is expected to rank among the most significant cultural events in Lagos this year.