US-based artist, Jonathan Imafidor, is set to sculpt a 65 feet high monument in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Commissioned by the Oyo State government, he multi-million naira monument located at Olunloyo Airport Park, will be crafted from found metal objects.
At completion in nine months, the monument will feature three towering human figures atop a concrete base of 25ft by 15ft. It would also become the tallest scrap metal sculpture in the country.
According to Imafidor, the sculpture is rooted in traditional Yoruba history and culture.
“The female warrior represents one of the most popular female warriors in the history of the Oyo Empire known as Queen Moremi Ajasoro,” the artist said.
“Moremi lived during the 12th century and was married to the king of Ife, a neighbouring kingdom to Oyo. When the Oyo Empire was facing invasion from a rival tribe, the Igbo, Moremi volunteered to act as a spy and infiltrated the enemy camp. She gathered vital information and shared it with the Oyo warriors, enabling them to successfully defend their kingdom. Moremi’s bravery and strategic contributions made her a revered figure and a symbol of courage and sacrifice.
“The male figure represents the most renowned male warrior known as Balogun Ogunmola. Ogunmola was a legendary military commander who lived in the 18th century. He possessed exceptional leadership skills and was known for his tactical brilliance on the battlefield. Ogunmola played a pivotal role in expanding the Oyo Empire’s territory and defending it against external threats. His military campaigns and victories solidified the empire’s dominance in the region and elevated him to legendary status among the Oyo people.”
Imafidor explained that the third figure, a drummer, paid homage to the skilled drummers of the Old Oyo Empire who dedicated their lives to mastering the art of drumming. Their contributions to communication, entertainment, and religious ceremonies were invaluable, shaping the cultural fabric of the Oyo Empire.
On the inclusion of a satellite dish in form of a base projecting the figures, the artist said it represents Oyo as the first state to run a broadcast television in Africa, recalling that on October 31, 1959, the Western Nigeria Television (WNTV) was established in Agodi, Ibadan, in present-day Oyo State.
Imafidor attended Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and graduated with a first-class in Painting. After completing his mandatory NYSC, he returned to his alma mater and lectured for six years before pursuing further studies at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Atlanta, USA. Currently, he operates a sculpture studio in Atlanta.