By Yemisi Suleiman

Yoruba Heritage Trails and Murals, in collaboration with the Mayor of Southwark, recently hosted HRM Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi to an exclusive evening reception. The event took place on Friday, 3rd November 2023, at Southwark Council, London SE1 2QH.

The high-profile gathering showcased a range of captivating performances and presentations, including a Yoruba poem recital by Keyemo & Kayin Isimi, a mesmerising talking drum performance by Hafsa Kazeem, and an enlightening Yoruba Heritage project presentation by Gbemisola Isimi.

Notable speakers at the event included Anne Hartley, who delivered a brief speech on the Mayor of London’s Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm & Untold Stories fund, and Paul Crook from South London Gallery who spoke about their exhibition ‘Lagos, Peckham, Repeat. Dr Joanna Burch-Brown provided insights into the University of Bristol’s Bridging Histories initiative, while Osei Bonsu shared a short speech on Tate Modern’s “A World in Common” & “Portraits of a Community” exhibition. The event also featured brief remarks by Nigerian Community Leaders.

The highlight of the evening was the book presentation of “Unspoken: A Chronicle of Yoruba Female Kings (Oba Obinrin)” by HRM Queen Ronke Ademuluyi-Ogunnusi to the Mayor of Southwark, Cllr Michael Situ. The event hosted by Dr Dayo Olomu was graced by many notable Nigerians including Mrs Afusat Abike Situ, the former mayoress of Southwark; Mrs Helen Adeleke; Prince Mike Abiola, Engr Amos Akin Adejinmi and many others.

#YorubaHeritage #EveningReception #QueenRonkeAdemiluyiOgunwusi#Southwark #CulturalCelebration #LondonEvents