“Awards Are Not for Sale!” — Yoruba Group Slams ‘Cash-for-Honours’ Trend as Nike Davies-Okundaye Gets Historic Recognition

LAGOS — In a bold move against the transactional nature of modern accolades, Mr. Olawale Ajao, Chairman of the Omo Yoruba Atata Socio-cultural Initiative (OYASI), has declared that cultural honours must remain sacred and free from financial influence.

Ajao made the remarks on Friday at the Nike Art Gallery in Lekki, Lagos, during a special award presentation to the legendary artist and cultural icon, Chief Mrs. Nike Davies-Okundaye.

Decrying the growing trend where organizations turn award ceremonies into fundraising schemes, Ajao insisted that OYASI’s honours are driven strictly by merit.

Presenting the unique award—carved in the likeness of Mrs. Davies-Okundaye’s signature towering head tie—Ajao emphasized that the recognition came with no strings attached.

“We honour you not because of anything else, but because of the artistically innovative head tie you constantly wear,” Ajao stated. “Awards given during the World Headdress Celebration are not money-making ventures. We are not expecting a dime from you or any other awardee.”

He noted that while the organization hopes to secure sponsorships in the future to attach cash prizes to the awards, the current focus remains purely on preserving heritage.

The presentation was a follow-up to the Second World Headdress Celebration, held on December 28, 2025, at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Ibadan. The event celebrates individuals who consistently promote Yoruba identity through distinctive caps and head ties.

In her response, an elated Mrs. Davies-Okundaye commended OYASI for its cultural fidelity. “We are on the same page because I have always projected the Yoruba headdress in my life,” she said.

She reminisced about Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka dubbing the head tie “Gele Galla,” and shared her journey of empowering women in Lagos markets like Tejuosho and Jankara by teaching them the art of tying Gele—evolving from simple styles to the complex turban designs popular today.

While Mrs. Davies-Okundaye was honoured in Lagos due to her absence at the main event, the Ibadan ceremony was a roll call of cultural heavyweights.

Posthumous awards were given to the late Premier of Western Nigeria, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, received by Mr. Yinka Oladoyinbo of the Nigerian Tribune, and the late Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdul Azeez Arisekola Alao, received by his son, Hon. Farouq Arisekola.

Other distinguished recipients included Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja (PDP National Secretary), Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre (Ekiti Tourism DG), and veteran broadcaster Alhaji Onaolapo Gbolagun, honoured for his consistent use of the Abetiaja cap.

The event was graced by royal fathers including the Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola, and representatives of the Olowu of Owu Kingdom.

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