Nigerian socio-political cartoonist Samuel Ojo has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Nigerian artist to host a solo exhibition at the prestigious Cartoon Museum in London. His groundbreaking show, Ìrìn Àjò, has been earning widespread critical praise since its opening in July and is now approaching its final week.
A Landmark Achievement for Nigerian Art
The exhibition represents a significant moment for Nigerian cartoon art on the international stage. Ojo's collection of 12 powerful cartoons offers what the museum describes as "a deeply personal and politically conscious exploration of the immigrant experience in the UK from a Black, diasporic perspective."
Running from July 24, 2025, the exhibition will conclude on November 29, 2025, giving art enthusiasts limited time to experience this critically acclaimed work. The collection masterfully blends personal narratives with sharp policy critique, examining all facets of the relocation journey—the positive, the challenging, and even the humorous moments.
Reframing the Immigrant Narrative
Ojo, who also contributes to The Guardian UK, explained his motivation for creating Ìrìn Àjò came from noticing how little the average person understood about immigrant realities. "From classmates to work colleagues, I noticed most did not know the challenges that come with being an immigrant or how expensive it is," he revealed.
The artist highlighted specific financial burdens immigrants face, including paying almost double what home students pay for education and additional healthcare fees while having limited access to services. "I just kept finding myself in conversations where people did not really know," Ojo said. "At the same time, the prevailing media narrative paints immigrants as leeches. A lot was just not adding up."
Critical Acclaim and Recognition
The exhibition has garnered significant attention from art critics and media outlets. Renowned London art critic Tabish Khan named Ìrìn Àjò one of "the Top 5 Museum Exhibitions to See in London this Autumn," praising it as "a powerful display and a perspective we rarely see in the media."
EURWEB also spotlighted the exhibition, noting how it underscores "the valuable contributions and cultural connections migrants bring to British society." The positive reviews have positioned Ojo's work as not just art, but as an important cultural commentary that challenges prevailing narratives about immigration.
Through his innovative approach to socio-political cartooning, Samuel Ojo has successfully created a platform that reframes migrants not as burdens, but as contributors, cultural bridges, and human beings deserving of dignity and respect.
