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Celebrating Theophilus Ayoola Bankole through 60 years of Ayo Bankole jr, via Symposia & Concert
Arts and entertainment professionals are set to celebrate one of Nigeria’s foremost classical pianists and composer, Ayo Bankole Jr. as he clocks the milestone age of 60.
To celebrate the iconic musicologist, pianist and composer, Ayo Bankole, a number of events have been lined up, which include a two-leg symposium slated for the MUSON Centre in Lagos on Wednesday 25th of May and a recital/concert on the 8th of July 2022.
To mark the Diamond Jubilee, two symposiums themed, ‘The past, present and future of Nigerian Art Music: Celebrating Theophilus Ayoola Bankole Through Ayo Bankole Jr at 60’ and ‘Music as a Creative and Economic Tool for the 21st Century Nigerian Film Industry’, have been organised to preserve and celebrate the heritage Bankole represents, not as a belated reality, but a potential heritage for understanding our common musical and cultural history, contemporary realities, and possible future.
Theophilus Ayoola Bankole, a major Nigerian musical heritage is also being celebrated through his son, Ayo Bankole Jr, who has not only sustained his father’s legacy but has also championed new creative and artistic frontiers that have laid foundations for the emergence of distinct Nigerian screen music composition, jingles/commercials, film/Nollywood music, African art music and performance practices in western classical music tradition, popular music, jazz and new forms of digital music-making.
The first symposium, ‘The past, present and future of Nigerian Art Music: Celebrating Theophilus Ayoola Bankole Through Ayo Bankole Jr. at 60’ has Prof. Olabode F. Omojola of the Mount Holyoke College, Massachusetts, USA as Keynote Speaker, with Dr Ayo Oluranti, a Resident Fellow of the Goethe-Institute, Germany as moderator and Mountain Top University, Nigeria.
The panellists include Dr. Kayode Samuel, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Sir Emeka Nwokedi, Muson School of Music, Nigeria; Mr. Ebenezer Omole, LIFE Theological Seminary, Nigeria;, Dr. Stephen Olusoji, of the University of Lagos; Mr. Seun Owoaje of the Mountain Top University, Nigeria; Dr. Omolara Loko, Lagos State University of Education, Nigeria; . Gbenga Oyesanya, Emmanuel Methodist Chapel, Lagos Nigeria; and Dr. Oladele Ayorinde of the University of Bonn, Germany/Wits University, South Africa.
Quoting from the programme of events, the organisers said: “Given the various future-centric initiatives found in the works of Theophilus Ayo Bankole, we found it necessary to engage his musical works and scholarship, negotiating new ideas, and artistic-centred creative resources—particularly for new generations of Nigerians. In other words, beyond description and historical report, to critically engage his works, ideas and his personality for new knowledge that are relevant to contemporary social and economic dynamics, music practice and scholarship in Africa and around the world”.
“We ask: what might it mean to explore and understand the contemporary development in music (broadly speaking, and in particular, sacred and church music, sound media, film music, music education and research, gospel popular music, African/Nigerian art music, and classical music) and its impact in people’s everyday life in Nigeria?
“In exploring this question, the Ayo Bankole Centre for Arts and Cultural Expression, Lagos, the Department of Music, Mountain Top University, Ogun the MUSON School of Music, Lagos, the Department of Musicology/Sound Studies, University of Bonn, Germany, present a day symposium, in celebration of T. A Ayo Bankole Sr in the 60 years of Ayo Bankole Jr.
“The organisers have conceived of this symposium as a means to enable dialogue and engage new frontiers in Nigerian music (its practices and studies) and celebrate emerging trends in the Nigerian arts and music industry.
“We believe it will be of great benefit to practitioners and scholars and every Nigerian interested in Nigerian art and culture: its past, present, and future. We look forward to an interesting moment of celebration, meeting, thinking and sharing”, the organisers said of the first symposium billed to hold between 11am to 1pm on the Wednesday 25th of May, 2022 at the MUSON Centre, Lagos.
For the second symposium holding at the same venue from 4pm to 6:30pm, with the theme, ‘Music as a Creative and Economic Tool for the 21st century Nigerian Film Industry’, the celebrant Ayo Bankole Jr. is billed to be the lead discussant, with Nollywood legend, Joke Silva moderating. The panellists include celebrated film-maker, Tunde Kelani, Bayo Adepetun, Seun Owoaje, Sani Muazu, Okechukwu Ogunjiofor, Steve Ayorinde and Bayo Omole.
This symposium seeks to explore music diverse ramifications of music as employed in Nigerian films and means for advancing vital economic resource within the industry
“Music, a phenomenon that is hardly considered as source of revenue in Nigerian film industry, is a strategic economic and cultural resource for Nollywood.
“The symposium seeks to explore music as a media, aesthetic, and revenue resource for Nollywood in the global film industries. The symposium will be of great benefit to film directors, film producers, actors, film music composers, media houses, music producers, film marketers, scholars, advert agencies, and the public in Nigeria, Africa and beyond. We look forward to an interesting moment of celebration, meeting, thinking and sharing”, to quote the organisers.
The concluding part of the celebrations will be in the form of a concert slated to take place on Friday the 8th of July 2022 at the MUSON CENTRE to round up a month of celebrations in honour of the musical legend.
The event is sponsored by Dr. D. K. Olukoya.
Ayo Bankole Jr is a classical Pianist and Composer, who has composed several classical, Jazz and contemporary pieces.
He is a much sought after pianists in Nigeria, performing regularly at concerts and other high-profile events. He is Director of the Ayo Bankole Centre for Arts and Cultural Expression in Lagos.
Aare Adetola Emmanuel King Congratulates Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on Election Victory
The Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuel King KOF, has congratulated Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on her resounding victory in the just-concluded by-election for the Remo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
In a goodwill message issued by him, he described the victory as “a historic moment for the Remo people, coming at a time when the constituency yearns for a leader with vision, courage, and genuine commitment to service.”
He noted that the outcome of the election was an attestation to the trust and confidence reposed in Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji by the people, adding that her sterling qualities, integrity, accessibility, and compassion for the grassroots had endeared her to the electorate.
“The overwhelming support you garnered at the polls is proof that you are the right voice at the right time to carry the aspirations of Remo to the national stage,” he stated.
While acknowledging that the by-election followed the painful demise of the late Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga (Ijaya), Aare Adetola Emmanuel King said Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji’s emergence symbolizes the continuity of purposeful representation. He expressed confidence that she would not only sustain the legacy of her predecessor but also surpass it with new energy, innovative ideas, and progressive leadership.
The Adron Group Chairman further prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and compassion for the Member-Elect as she assumes office, expressing confidence that her tenure will usher in meaningful development, economic empowerment, and greater opportunities for the people of Remo Federal Constituency.
Olowu Celebrates Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, At 84
Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Hammed Oyelude Makama, CON, Tegbosun III, has congratulated former military president, Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, rtd, who is 84 today.
Olowu, in a statement he signed, eulogised the former military ruler for his modest achievements while he was in power.
According to Olowu, ” IBB is an enigma. He has carved a niche for himself as a former military president. His tenure witnessed the completion of many monumental legacy projects that are still visible today. His Hill Top Mansion in Minna has become a Mecca of sorts for those who aspired to lead Nigeria.”
Olowu, who described Gen Babangida as being grossly misunderstood, said history would be kind to him.
He said, “The launch of Gen Babangida’s Autobiography: ‘A Journey In Service’, and the testimonies from the likes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia, Abdusalam Rabiu, Oil Magnate, Arthur Eze, and many others, testified to his goodwill despite leaving public office three decades ago.
” On behalf of myself, my Oloris and Olowu-In-Council.
All members of the defunct IBB Vision 2003 and Vision 2007, I wish President Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, a happy birthday. I also wish him all the best as he aged gracefully,” Olowu added.
Born on August 17, 1941, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993.
His presidency was marked by significant political and economic reforms.
A new dawn breaks over Agunjin — a moment etched in gold in the annals of history — as the crown of the Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Dynasty returns to its rightful home. With this homecoming, the living legacy of Agunjin’s royal heritage is renewed, strengthened, and destined to shine for generations to come.
The proud sons and daughters of Agunjin welcome His Royal Highness, Oba Isiaka Babatunde Malik Adekeye, Ariwajoye III of Agunjin Land, with joy, reverence, and boundless hope for the future.
A distinguished Nigerian based in New York, Oba Adekeye is a dynamic and accomplished professional whose illustrious career spans cinematography, international trade, and hospitality. Born into the revered Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Family of Agunjin, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, His Royal Highness now carries forward an ancestral legacy steeped in honor, dignity, and purpose.
The new Oba Adekeye is the proud nephew of the late Oba Jimoh Ajide Adekeye and the grandson of Oba Alade Adekeye — custodians of Agunjin’s noble traditions whose names remain deeply woven into the history of the land.
As the Yoruba say,
“Adé kì í wọ́ lórí aláìní orí.” — The crown does not rest on a head without destiny.”
His Royal Highness wears the crown not as a mere ornament, but as a solemn trust from his ancestors to his people.
The Adekeye Royal Family extends profound gratitude to: His Excellency, H.E.AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, Chaiman GFON, Sadauna Ngeri of Ilorin, Executive Governor of Kwara State; The Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, Emir of Ilorin; The Chairman, Igbomina Traditional Rulers Forum, Oba (Barr.) Alh. Ismail Bolaji Yahaya Atoloye Alebiosu, Olupo of Ajase Ipo; The Chairman, Ifelodun Traditional Council, HRM Oba (Dr.) Alhaji Ahmed Awuni Babalola Arepo III, Elese of Igbaja; The Ifelodun Traditional Council Members and the Kwara State Traditional Council.
Our heartfelt appreciation also goes to the Hon. Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Hon. Abdullahi Bata, and to the Executive Chairman, Ifelodun LGA, Hon. Femi Yusuf, for their steadfast commitment to upholding historical truths and safeguarding the cherished traditions of Agunjin.
As the newly crowned Ariwajoye III, Oba Adekeye brings decades of professionalism, global exposure, and deep cultural pride to his reign. His vision is noble and unwavering — to champion sustainable development across the Agunjin district, preserve the rich traditions of the land, and unite his people both at home and in the diaspora under one banner of progress, peace, and pride.
In the words of an old royal proverb, “When the king builds bridges, the people will cross to a better tomorrow.” Ariwajoye III now stands as that bridge — connecting the heritage of the past with the promise of the future.
Long live Ariwajoye III. Long live the Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Family. Long live Agunjin Land.
Prince Oluwatoyin Adekeye For the Family
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