Sanwo-Olu opens J Randle Museum, demands return of Yoruba Artifacts

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has officially opened the museum at the J Randle Centre for Yoruba Heritage and Culture in Onikan, now accessible for public use.

The museum, a key part of the Centre commissioned last year, showcases historical, artistic, and cultural artifacts of the Yoruba people.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also appointed Mr. Qudus Onikeku as the Centre’s Director.

Speaking during an interactive session with creative industry stakeholders at the Centre, Sanwo-Olu highlighted Lagos as the “cultural epicentre” of Africa, noting its potential in tourism, music, film, art, and culture.

He pledged his administration’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for private sector participation to boost the state’s creative economy.

“Our goal is to position Lagos as a premier destination for tourism, art, and culture across Africa and beyond,” he affirmed.

Sanwo-Olu emphasised the importance of preserving and passing on Yoruba heritage to future generations.

“We need to revive our cultural inheritance, ensuring we work together to leave a rich legacy for those who come after us. This museum will serve as a historic site celebrating our heritage and sharing it with the world,” he stated.

Calling for the repatriation of Yoruba artifacts held in foreign museums, Sanwo-Olu underscored the need to bring them back to their original locations, saying this would “unite the past, present, and future in one place.”

He also lamented the fading use of local dialects in schools, describing it as a disconnect from Yoruba heritage.

The Governor traced Lagos’s heritage back to the colonial era, where sites like the JRandle Centre and the Yoruba Tennis Club stood as recreational spaces for locals, while surrounding areas housed colonial landmarks.

“This area holds great historical significance,” he added, highlighting its evolution as a space central to Nigeria’s historical narrative.

Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed Lagos as Africa’s capital of tourism, fashion, and entertainment, with the creative sector as a core pillar of the government’s developmental agenda.

He acknowledged efforts over the past five years to support creatives through initiatives like Ogidi Studios, EbonyLife Academy, and Del-York Academy, which have collectively trained thousands and provided grants to filmmakers.

Moving forward, he assured continued government support to strengthen the entertainment ecosystem and reshape the industry narrative.

Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, praised the museum’s launch as a testament to Lagos State’s commitment to preserving Yoruba heritage.

She noted that the John Randle Centre is designed to inspire a sense of pride and connection in visitors, celebrating the enduring spirit and contributions of Yoruba ancestors.