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Nigeria News (Standard)

Benin Carver Joseph Obayagbona Denied Pay and Credit for Iconic FESTAC ’77 Queen Idia Mask

Obayagbona’s family alleges government never compensated him, as official records credit Lagos artist Emokpae

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4 weeks ago

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Obayagbona’s family alleges government never compensated him, as official records credit Lagos artist Emokpae

Joseph Alufa Igbinovia Obayagbona, a master carver from Benin City, Edo State, was among the artisans commissioned in 1976 to recreate the historic Queen Idia mask for the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC ’77) in Lagos. Despite his major role in crafting the mask that became Nigeria’s cultural symbol during the festival, his family says he was neither paid nor properly acknowledged.

The original Queen Idia ivory mask had been looted from Benin by British forces in 1897 and remains in the British Museum, London. Ahead of FESTAC ’77, Nigerian authorities requested the mask on loan but were refused on grounds of fragility despite reportedly offering several million pounds. With time running out, organisers turned to Benin City’s skilled carvers to produce a replica. Obayagbona was selected as part of this group and is credited in a recent biography as the primary carver who shaped what became the bronze FESTAC mask.

However, official recognition for the iconic festival emblem went instead to Erhabor Emokpae, a celebrated Lagos-based sculptor and painter who oversaw the festival’s graphic identity. Since his death in 1984, Emokpae has been widely remembered as the creator of the mask in galleries and textbooks. Obayagbona’s name is largely absent from public records, a situation his family and supporters say is unjust. A 2024 biography argues that he deserves recognition based on accounts from witnesses and archives including the US Library of Congress. The federal government has not issued any formal statement addressing these claims or clarifying Obayagbona’s role.

According to his relatives, Obayagbona also received no compensation for another major piece—an Olokun figure—commissioned for FESTAC around the same period. Now elderly and battling ill health, he continues to live in an unfinished house he began building in 1981. His story highlights ongoing debates about historical recognition for traditional artists whose work shapes Nigeria’s national identity.

The bronze Queen Idia mask remains one of Nigeria’s most powerful symbols of heritage and resistance to colonial looting—a debate that persists as construction continues on a new museum in Benin City intended to house repatriated artefacts. The British Museum still holds the original mask amid international calls for restitution.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/festac-77-queen-idia-mask-carver-joseph-obayagbona-2026100110251123951

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Nigeria News (Standard)

NSCIA Expands National Executive Council to Strengthen Muslim Representation Nationwide

Islamic council increases leadership body size, aims for broader inclusion of stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones

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3 weeks ago

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October 5, 2026

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Islamic council increases leadership body size, aims for broader inclusion of stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has announced the expansion of its National Executive Council, a move aimed at deepening representation and strengthening the council’s capacity to address Muslim affairs across Nigeria. The development was made public on Monday, 5 October 2026, following a meeting of top council officials in Abuja.

According to the statement released after the meeting, the NSCIA leadership resolved to increase the number of seats on its executive body. The council said this adjustment will allow for greater input from Muslim leaders and scholars from all six geopolitical zones, reflecting the diverse interests and challenges faced by Nigeria’s Muslim community.

The decision comes at a time when many stakeholders in the Islamic community have called for more inclusive governance structures within faith-based organisations. The council noted that as Nigeria’s Muslim population continues to grow and diversify, it is critical that leadership bodies remain responsive to changing realities. The expanded executive is expected to facilitate improved consultation and coordination on religious matters affecting education, social welfare, and interfaith relations.

In its official statement, the NSCIA emphasised that “the expansion will enhance collaboration among stakeholders and ensure that voices from every region are properly represented.” While no specific figures were disclosed regarding the number of new seats or names of new appointees, the council assured members that transparency and merit would guide all selections. Attempts to reach opposition or dissenting voices within the council were unsuccessful as at press time.

The NSCIA said it will release a full list of new executive council members following its next general assembly. Observers say this move could influence policy directions within Nigeria’s wider religious landscape over the coming months.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/914524-nscia-expands-its-national-executive-council.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Lagos Tenant Discovers Landlord’s Father Buried Beneath Living Room After Over a Year

Landlord’s family exhumes remains in Surulere flat, pledges to repair sitting room after tenant expresses shock

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3 weeks ago

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October 5, 2026

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Landlord’s family exhumes remains in Surulere flat, pledges to repair sitting room after tenant expresses shock

A Lagos tenant, identified as Mr Bachelor, has revealed he lived for more than a year in a Surulere apartment without knowing his landlord’s late father was buried beneath the living room floor. The discovery was made on September 20, 2026, when members of the landlord’s family visited the property and informed the tenant of their intention to exhume the remains.

According to Mr Bachelor, who shared details of the incident on X (formerly Twitter), he was in his apartment when the landlord’s relatives arrived and disclosed that their late brother—who is also the landlord’s father—had been buried in the middle of his sitting room. “He was buried right in my living room, and I was not aware until they came around today,” he stated.

The family explained that they planned to move the body to another location they had prepared and assured Mr Bachelor that necessary repairs would be made to his sitting room after the exhumation. The tenant noted that he was the first occupant of the newly built house and had spent over a year there before learning about the burial.

The incident has raised fresh concerns among Lagos residents about transparency from landlords regarding property histories. Some social media users responding to Mr Bachelor’s post urged prospective tenants across Nigeria to conduct due diligence before moving into rental properties. Others called for clearer regulations around residential burials and disclosure by property owners.

As at press time, neither local authorities nor tenants’ rights groups have issued official statements on the matter. The landlord’s family has not provided additional comments beyond assurances of repairs. The situation highlights ongoing gaps in property regulation and tenant protection in Lagos State.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/man-discovers-corpse-buried-under-living-room-2026100506463406930

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Nigeria News (Standard)

INEC to Address Nigerians Nationwide as 2027 Election Countdown Reaches 100 Days

Electoral commission prepares public statement amid growing anticipation for next general polls across all states

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3 weeks ago

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October 5, 2026

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Electoral commission prepares public statement amid growing anticipation for next general polls across all states

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to address Nigerians nationwide as the countdown to the 2027 general elections hits the 100-day mark. The development, expected to take place across all states, comes as political parties and voters begin preparations for one of the country’s most significant democratic exercises.

According to information from INEC headquarters in Abuja, the commission will issue a formal statement to outline its readiness and call on citizens to participate actively in the electoral process. This move is seen as part of efforts to assure stakeholders of INEC’s commitment to credible and transparent polls, following widespread debates over electoral integrity in recent cycles.

The announcement is particularly significant given Nigeria’s recent history of tightly contested elections, with issues such as voter turnout, technological deployment, and security logistics taking centre stage. Many Nigerians, especially young voters, have expressed concerns about the credibility of past elections and are watching closely for signals of improvement in 2027.

While details of INEC’s planned address remain under wraps, observers expect the commission’s leadership to emphasise the importance of voter registration, collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and adherence to election guidelines. Political analysts note that early communication from INEC could help build public confidence and encourage broader participation ahead of the polls.

With just over three months before Nigerians return to the ballot box, all eyes are on INEC’s next steps. The commission is likely to face scrutiny from both ruling and opposition parties over its preparations. As at Monday, October 5th, no official response has been issued by major political parties regarding INEC’s planned address.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/914520-2027-inec-to-address-nigerians-as-election-countdown-hits-100-days.html

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