600 art works on display in Ibadan as ‘the Coalition’ steals the spotlight 

Ibadan, the Oyo State capital recently became a beehive of activities when 60 artists drawn from different states of the federation converged to showcase their artworks.

Themed: “The Coalition,” the art exhibition took place at the Conference Centre of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, (IITA) Moniya, Ibadan, between April 23 and 25, 2026, transforming the calm surroundings into a lively centre of colour, culture and creativity.

With over 600 artworks on display, each piece telling its own story through strong visual expression, the exhibition presented a rich mix of ideas, emotions and cultural reflections.

From bold abstract works to portraits filled with meaning, the halls came alive as visitors moved slowly from one piece to another, often pausing to take in the deeper message behind each creation.

Conversations flowed quietly, not just among people, but between the art and those who stood before it.

Speaking at the event, the convener, Dunmade Ayegbayo, Founder of Constance and Sons Art Gallery, described the process of putting the exhibition together as demanding but rewarding.

“Our team worked day and night to ensure everything came together smoothly.

“We spent hours discussing ideas and refining our plans to present an exhibition that truly reflects the depth of artistic expression in Nigeria.”

Ayegbayo also spoke about the growing change in how people see art. According to him, the period after COVID 19 has brought a new level of appreciation, with more people beginning to understand both the cultural and financial value of art.

“Art is an investment that grows in value over time. “What we are doing is creating a space where artists and collectors can meet and connect in a meaningful way.”

That connection was clear throughout the exhibition. Visitors moved with curiosity and interest, sometimes standing quietly before a piece, at other times discussing their thoughts with friends or the artists themselves.

There was a steady

sense of discovery in the air, as each section of the hall offered something new and unexpected.

At one end of the hall, a small crowd gathered, drawn by works that seemed both unusual and striking. The colours were bold, the forms slightly distorted, yet there was something deeply familiar in them.

It was here that one of the exhibiting artists, Ogo-Oluwa Christianah works held attention. Using acrylic and water colours, she creates images that appear free and unplanned, yet carry clear meaning. Her use of the human lips as a central feature adds a strong voice to her pieces, telling stories of African identity and culture.

Viewers often found themselves looking longer than they intended, trying to understand the message behind each line and colour.

Not far from there, another section offered a more personal and emotional experience. The works here spoke quietly but strongly about life, family and strength.

This was where Okunade Olamilekan displayed his pieces. His focus on women is clear, and his use of box like forms adds layers of meaning to each work.

His story of being raised by a single mother comes through in his art, giving it a sense of honesty and depth. Many visitors connected with his pieces, seeing in them stories that felt close to home.

As people moved further through the exhibition, they encountered works that reflected everyday life in simple but powerful ways. These pieces captured moments that are often ignored, yet form a big part of human experience.

Gobe Joseph’s collection stood out in this regard. With 19 works on display, he showed scenes and ideas that felt familiar to many.

“It has taken a lot of effort,” he said, “but it has also been a fulfilling journey.”

Having spent 12 years in art, with seven years as a professional, his growth was clear. His works carried a calm confidence, drawing viewers in with their simple but meaningful stories.

In another area, a different mood took shape. Here, the works seemed to ask questions rather than give answers. There was a sense of mystery that made people stop and think. Segun Ajao’s pieces created this feeling.

Inspired by personal experiences and events in society, his art explores human emotions in a thoughtful way.

“There is always more beneath what you see,” he said. His approach kept viewers engaged, as they tried to understand the deeper meaning behind each piece.

As the exhibition continued, it became clear that The Coalition was more than a display of artworks. It was a meeting of different ideas, styles and voices.

Each artist brought something unique, and together they showed the strength and variety of Nigerian art.

Collectors arrived in large numbers, showing strong interest in the works on display.

Many took time to speak with the artists, learning about the meaning behind the pieces before making their choices.

The space remained lively throughout, filled with both excitement and quiet reflection.

By the time the exhibition came to an end on April 25, it had made a strong impression. Widely seen as one of the largest art exhibitions in West Africa, The Coalition did more than present artworks. It captured a moment where creativity, culture and business came together in a powerful way.

In a fast moving world filled with constant noise, the exhibition stood as a reminder of the power of art to speak in a calm but lasting voice, one that connects people, tells stories and leaves a lasting impression.