The vibrant city of Benin witnessed an extraordinary celebration of artistic excellence as the second edition of the Benin Art Fair concluded with resounding success. Held from November 11 to 16, 2025 at the Abstract Backyard on Aiguobasimwin Street in GRA, Benin City, the event has cemented its place as a cornerstone of Nigeria's cultural calendar.
A Gathering of Art Lovers and Government Officials
The fair's opening ceremony set an impressive tone with a guided tour led by Fair Director Olorogun Jeff Ajueshi for distinguished delegates from the Edo State government. The high-profile delegation included Hon. Gani Audu, Chief of Staff to the Governor of Edo State, alongside Commissioners Hon. Yakubu Musa (Yakson) of Lands and Housing and Dr. Uyi Oduwa-Malaka of Arts, Culture and Tourism.
Anto Lecky, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism and Creative Economy, publicly applauded the fair's vision and growing impact. The government representatives explored various curated sections featuring miniatures, collectibles, archival knowledge, and the distinctive sounds of Benin culture, while also engaging with the interactive Notes To Benin installation.
Showcasing Artistic Excellence Across Generations
This year's edition, themed "Legacy and innovation: Celebrating the Past, Present, and Future of Benin Art," presented over one hundred artworks spanning sculptures, installations, and mixed media. The exhibition featured masterpieces by celebrated sculptor Ben Osawe and emerging talents like Oka Newton, representing both established and rising Nigerian artists from across the country.
The official opening declaration came from Mr. Austin Asemota, Director of Media and Publicity for The Benin Art Fair, while cultural performances by the Azieyiosabo Cultural Troupe and two indigenous Benin musical groups entertained guests throughout the event.
Positioning Benin as Africa's New Art Capital
According to initiator and director Olorogun Jeff Ajueshi, the fair represents an unparalleled opportunity for artists, sponsors, and art enthusiasts to engage with Benin's rich artistic heritage while embracing contemporary creativity. He emphasized that with its growing international reputation, Benin City provides the ideal location to elevate Nigeria's art scene and showcase the diversity and innovation of Nigerian and African artists.
"The fair aims to position Benin City as a leading hub for global art and cultural exchange," Ajueshi stated, noting that the event's objectives include showcasing Benin's art legacy, promoting local artists, enhancing international exposure, and fostering meaningful cultural dialogue.
Curator Mr. Oluwatosin Jekami provided deeper insight into the fair's philosophical foundation, explaining that beyond the celebrated bronzes and royal artistry lies an expansive terrain yet to be fully uncovered. "The Benin Art Fair was conceived to address this continuum: to document, interpret, and re-present the evolving narratives of Benin's artistic journey," he elaborated.
Jekami described this year's edition as positioning itself as both an archive and laboratory, where "memory informs innovation, and tradition encounters transformation." He characterized the event as a demonstration of Benin's enduring legacy and its boundless potential to inspire new forms of artistic expression.
Political Support and Cultural Advocacy
Among the distinguished visitors was Senator Neda Imasuen, lawmaker representing Edo South senatorial district, who acknowledged the rich heritage of Benin artistry. In remarks that sparked considerable discussion, the senator asserted that "when it comes to creative industry, or the art scene, Lagos don't come before Edo."
However, Senator Imasuen observed concerning neglect among Edo people in showcasing their artistic treasures. "If you are to look at those who are showcasing their artworks in Lagos, they are mostly Edo artists," he noted, emphasizing the need for private funding to bring these talents home for local exhibitions.
The senator urged collective support for art collections and exhibitions, warning that "until we begin to appreciate what we have, the monopoly that we have over art will begin to elude us." His comments highlighted the crucial need for local appreciation and investment in Edo's artistic ecosystem.
Beyond the visual exhibitions, the fair featured thought-provoking discussion sessions with prominent figures including Mr. Muhammed Sulaimon, President of the Society of Nigerian Artists, alongside Mr. Imasuen Amowie Izoduwa and Princess Nosakhare Igbinoba Eloghosa.
The event received sponsorship from The Osa Okunbo Foundation, underscoring the growing private sector support for Nigeria's cultural development. With thousands of visitors over its four-day run, the 2025 Benin Art Fair has undoubtedly established itself as a pivotal platform for celebrating Nigeria's artistic past while boldly shaping its creative future.
