Alake honours artist with chieftaincy title
The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, has conferred the chieftaincy title of ‘Fonapitan of Egbaland’ on Prof. Funke Ifeta, an amazon of Nigerian art. The conferment was in recognition
The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, has conferred the chieftaincy title of ‘Fonapitan of Egbaland’ on Prof. Funke Ifeta, an amazon of Nigerian art.
The conferment was in recognition of Ifeta’s contributions to the progress and development of Egbaland, Ogun State and Nigeria.
Ifeta (nee Renner), born in Kaduna and of Ogun State origin, is a renowned scholar, sculptor, art historian and educator. She rose through the ranks to become a professor of Creative Arts at Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu-Ode.
Speaking at a programme organised by the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), in conjunction with friends and families to celebrate Ifeta’s retirement, Alake said there were uncompromising criteria, which the authorities examined before an honour was conferred on sons and daughters of the land.
He said a person to be honoured in Egbaland must be of good report, must be of good standing in the society and be worthy of emulation.
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The occasion featured exhibition of some of her digital art works and art works of some artists that were her students.
The event also featured a keynote lecture on the theme: “Funke Chris Ifeta: Living Footprints of the Amazon of Nigerian Art”, delivered by Prof. Iyabo Tijani, cultural group display, recognitions and other activities.
Beyond academics and art, Ifeta has rendered invaluable service to Ogun State and Nigeria through cultural preservation, curriculum reform and empowerment of women and youths. Her publications, spanning books, journals and conference proceedings, have enriched knowledge in art, design, education and development.
