Itansan ArtFest 2026: Adewunmi Itansan unveils ‘Emissaries of Gods’ to spearhead major cultural reawakening

​By Kazeem Awojoodu, Ibadan

May 2026

​A major literary weapon aimed at combating the rapid decline of indigenous knowledge among Nigerian children has been officially unveiled in Ibadan. Emissaries of the Gods (Iko Orisa), a groundbreaking cultural book explicitly designed to reawaken morals, identity, and African spirituality, took center stage at the maiden edition of the Itansan ArtFest 2026.

​The high-profile book launch, which served as the anchor event of the festival themed “Beacon of the Ancestors,” took place on Saturday at the Adeline Hall of Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State. The unveiling drew a passionate call from stakeholders in the arts and culture sector for aggressive cultural education to rescue Nigeria’s rich heritage from the brink of extinction.

​Reviewing the newly unveiled masterpiece, the festival convener and author, Adekunle Elizabeth Adewunmi, popularly known as Adewunmi Itansan, described Emissaries of the Gods (Iko Orisa) as a strategic literary project targeted directly at children and teenagers. She explained that the publication tackles African spirituality and mythology in a fascinating way that grips the attention of modern children, presenting ancient deities as powerful symbols of wisdom and strength capable of guiding the younger generation.

​“This is a book created for children and teenagers,” Adewunmi declared during the unveiling. “It highlights our deities as powerful figures capable of transferring wisdom and strength to younger generations in fascinating ways. Heritage can be lost accidentally if it is not transferred intentionally.”

​The launch of Iko Orisa sparked intense dialogue among attendees regarding the growing disconnect between modern youths and their heritage, a trend heavily blamed on globalization and digital distraction. Adewunmi raised an alarm that society is currently witnessing a generation that masterfully tracks global trends but struggles to comprehend local identity, warning that African culture is gradually being reduced to mere aesthetics without its depth, history, and values. She noted that the book and the wider Itansan ArtFest were born out of an urgent desire to bridge this gap, proving that indigenous traditions are alive, expressive, and deeply relevant to contemporary audiences.

​Beyond the historic book presentation, the festival grounded Ibadan with a vibrant display of African tradition, storytelling, and artistic expression. Heavyweights in the arts and culture industry, emerging creatives, and elite curators were treated to an array of electrifying cultural displays, stage plays, theatre performances, avant-garde fashion showcases, and rich trade exhibitions. Adewunmi also highlighted the Itansan Young Creators Challenge, a complementary initiative established to empower youths to explore their roots through writing, visual arts, and performance.

​The book launch and festival received massive backing from key government officials and cultural icons. Adewunmi expressed immense gratitude to the Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, sponsors, and volunteers for ensuring the success of the maiden edition.

​High-profile goodwill messages and endorsements for the new book were delivered by top dignitaries, including the Osun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Ojo Abiodun; the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun; Rashidat Olayinka Ladoja; Abiodun Adeyemi; renowned artist and curator, Tunde Odunlade; and Adekunle Alonge.

​The event concluded with a unified resolution among stakeholders that literary works like Emissaries of the Gods (Iko Orisa) must be aggressively promoted to ensure African culture transitions from a tool for occasional celebration into a potent instrument for education, economic empowerment, and social unity.