“The John Randle Centre is the first of many initiatives aimed at the preservation of the heritage of the Yoruba through the celebration and preservation of history and culture, the regeneration of decades old public green space, public recreation facilities, and the restoration of civic pride. Onikan will be the catalyst for a vibrant and tourist friendly quarter in the heart of Lagos Island.”

Babajide Sanwoolu, Governor of Lagos State

©SI.SA

The John Randle Centre

The John Randle Centre is a major development in the African museum experience. It offers a major true celebration of Yoruba culture and heritage – from the past, in the present and into the future.

At the heart of the regeneration of Central Lagos, it is a destination project aimed at local and international tourists.

The project, proudly commissioned by Lagos State, is set in a highly accessible location in the cultural district of the Marina and Onikan region.

For almost 90 years, the John Randle Centre at Onikan Lagos was an important civic facility that served as a venue for swimming, recreation, and entertainment. It featured a swimming pool commissioned by Dr John Randle, who envisaged it as a resource to teach Lagosians to swim. A pool will remain a feature of the new project. The Centre will house multiple facilities, including a world-class exhibition of Yoruba culture. Details about the 2021 opening date, hours, and tickets will be released soon. Learn more…

collecting culture

©Adolphus Opara

Oje Market

Curators are actively engaging artists, authors, craftspeople, historians, and storytellers to bring the rich tangible and intangible Yoruba culture into the Centre.

One of these collecting visits took the curators to Oje Market. One of the oldest and perhaps the most famous market in Ibadan, Oje is located less than a kilometre from the Oba’s palace. The market was founded in 1884 during the reign of Oluyole. The name Oje is derived from a town near Ilorin and it may be that relationship that accounts for the main trade in the market – the selling of Aso Oke cloth. Historically the villages and towns around Ilorin produced almost all of the Aso Oke, although now this handwoven cloth is made by many Yoruba communities. Oje was the central market for this cloth and traders would travel many kilometres to purchase yards of cloth for sale in their home villages. Even now, amidst the bustle and hustle of traders selling goods from across the world, Oje remains the central market for the best Aso Oke cloth in Nigeria. Learn more…

CONNECT WITH US

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

The John Randle Centre for
Yoruba Culture and History
Lagos, Nigeria
‍
infojohnrandle@gmail.com
+234 1234 5678