Art x Adẹ

The exit of Caroline Levitt as Donald Trump’s press secretary has prompted reflection on just how demanding and high-pressure the role can be within his political orbit. Serving as press secretary in that environment often means standing before the media each day while trying to project a unified message in the face of rapidly shifting statements, competing narratives, and frequent disputes over basic facts. The job requires constant adjustment, as yesterday’s explanation can quickly be replaced or contradicted by today’s messaging. For someone like Levitt, or anyone in that position, the role extends far beyond routine communication. It becomes an exercise in managing perception under relentless scrutiny, where every briefing is analysed in real time and inconsistencies are immediately amplified across news cycles and social media. Her departure highlights how the strain of the job is not simply about handling press questions, but about sustaining coherence in an environme...

If we were to coin an “ism” to describe the political philosophy and governing style of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which of the following would you choose? 1. Tinubunomics The economic philosophy associated with his reforms, particularly subsidy removal, taxation, currency reforms and market-oriented policies. 2. Tinubulism The broader political doctrine of political consolidation, strategic patronage, power accumulation and pragmatic alliances. 3. Jagabanism Politics as an elaborate art of building networks, controlling political structures and cultivating political successors. 4. Emilokanism Politics centred on the conviction that “it is my turn”, the idea of political power as the culmination of years of political investment, loyalty and sacrifice. 5. Renewalism The official aspirational version: political and economic “renewal,” reform and restructuring associated with the Renewed Hope agenda. 6. Political Transactionalism Politics understood principally through allia...

Every meaningful journey begins with a single step. The path before us may be narrow, uneven, and uncertain, but it is not the smoothness of the road that determines our destination—it is the courage to keep moving. The setting sun is not merely an ending; it is a reminder that every day concludes with the promise of another dawn. Brick by brick, step by step, we build our future through the choices we make today. The destination belongs not to those who wait for perfect roads, but to those who walk faithfully, even when the horizon seems distant. May we never be discouraged by the length of the journey. Every step taken with hope is a victory, and every obstacle overcome becomes another brick in the path to a brighter tomorrow.

The story of Nigeria's leadership succession often reminds me of the biblical account of King Rehoboam, the son and successor of King Solomon, as recorded in 1 Kings 12:14 and 2 Chronicles 10:14. Ignoring the counsel of the older, wiser advisers who had served his father faithfully, Rehoboam chose instead to listen to the reckless advice of his young contemporaries.  He arrogantly declared to the people: "My father made your yoke heavy; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions." Those words proved disastrous. Instead of strengthening the kingdom he inherited, Rehoboam fractured it. The northern tribes rebelled, and the once-united kingdom of Israel was divided in two. History repeatedly teaches the same lesson: leadership is not sustained by arrogance, intimidation, or the desire to appear stronger than one's predecessor. It flourishes through humility, wisdom, and a willingness to listen. A nation d...

Inspired by a family photograph, this painting celebrates the enduring environmental legacy of my senior brother, Retired Justice Michael Medupin. Many decades ago, he planted coconut palm seedlings throughout several neighbourhoods of Ogidi. Today, those seedlings have matured into majestic trees that define the landscape and enrich the community. While I have deliberately exaggerated the height and abundance of the palms for artistic effect, the painting reflects a genuine transformation of the environment. It is my tribute to a man whose foresight, love for nature, and quiet service have left a living legacy for future generations. It reminds us that the greatest monuments are not always built in stone—they can also take root in the earth and flourish through time. This painting has significance beyond my family. It documents a local environmental history and honours an act of community-minded stewardship that deserves to be remembered. It is both a work of art and a v...

Tomorrow, the 15th of June, and on the same day each year, my community celebrates the arrival of the New Yam. It is a special day when the first harvest of the new yam is officially presented to and eaten by the traditional ruler of our community. It is a day of thanksgiving and a celebration of the harvest that comes after twelve months of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice by our farmers. The traditional name of the New Yam is “Ẹmindin.” When a tuber of the new yam arrives in a home, everyone present touches the yam with a finger and, with that same finger, touches their chest and says: “Ẹmindin mo ri wọ me tu ku.” This translates to: “New Yam, I have seen you; I will not die.” This beautiful tradition expresses gratitude, hope, and the joy of welcoming a new season of abundance. This painting is my tribute to the hardworking men and women who, despite the many challenges they face, continue to labour tirelessly to ensure that food is placed on the tables of their fami...