Oludamola Adebowale

Oludamola Adebowale
Born
Lagos, Nigeria
EducationObafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
OccupationsCurator, Archivist, Researcher, Historian
Websiteoludamolaadebowale.com

Oludàmọ́lá Adébọ̀wálé is a Nigerian archivist, public historian, writer, curator and cultural heritage specialist whose work focuses on the preservation, documentation, and promotion of African history and cultural memory. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), United Kingdom; an associate fellow of the Royal Historical Society; and a member of the International Council on Archives.[1][2][3][4]

Early Life and Education

Adebowale studied Estate Management at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (2008), Integrated Branding and Copywriting at Orange Academy (2009), and Business and Marketing Development at the Lagos Entrepreneurial Business School (2011). He further specialized in Copyright and Intellectual Property Law at the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, and completed the CopyrightX Program of Harvard Law School.[5]

Career

Before fully dedicating himself to heritage preservation and public history, Adebowale served as Nigeria Country Manager for Instant Grass International, a trend forecasting and consumer insight development company based in Cape Town, South Africa, where he worked for five years.[6] Adebowale later focused his professional work on archival preservation, public history, cultural heritage, research, and curation.

ASIRI Magazine and archival work

In 2013, Adebowale founded ASIRI Magazine, initially conceived as a digital illustration magazine for educating Nigerians and members of the diaspora about Nigerian history.[7] The magazine began with illustrated historical accounts, producing eight editions covering subjects including Jaja of Opobo, Madam Tinubu, Queen Idia and the history of the walls of Kano.[7] Adebowale conducted historical research for the editions, which were distributed digitally and translated into several languages, including French, Spanish, Italian, German and Portuguese.[7][8] In a 2023 interview, he stated that the original editions had received more than 17,000 downloads about a decade earlier.[7]

ASIRI subsequently developed into a digital repository and platform for historical documentation, archival images, research, cultural heritage and public history.[9][10] The Guardian described it in 2021 as a major digital repository of Nigerian history, arts and culture, while reporting that its activities had expanded beyond publications to include historical research, archival preservation, public events and other forms of cultural engagement.[10] In 2026, The Guardian reported that ASIRI had grown into one of the larger digital archives of rare historical images and narratives in Nigeria.[11]

In 2026, ASIRI launched HerStory of Nigeria: Women, Power and Protest in Lagos (1910–1950), a historical documentation and public-engagement initiative focused on the contributions of Nigerian women to the country's political, economic and social development.[12] The project, launched in partnership with the British Deputy High Commission, combines historical research, school engagements and the development of a digital archive containing photographs, documents, oral histories and biographies of Nigerian women.[12] The initiative subsequently expanded through school programmes designed to introduce students to women whose contributions have received limited attention in conventional historical narratives.[11]

Nigerian-Brazilian Public History Project

In December 2020, Adebowale was appointed Senior Curator of the Nigerian-Brazilian Public History Project, an initiative established to document and recover the contributions of Afro-Brazilians and their descendants to Nigerian society.[13][14] The project focuses on the social, cultural, religious, economic, and political histories of Afro-Brazilian communities in Nigeria from the nineteenth century onward, including their influence on urban development, religion, and civic life.[13][15][16]

In his role, Adebowale has worked on historical research, documentation, and the development of materials relating to Nigeria–Brazil connections, including the preservation of documents, interviews, and archival records.[13][17] The initiative is also described as part of broader efforts to compile oral histories and archival material on Afro-Brazilian returnee communities, particularly in Lagos and other coastal areas where they historically settled.[15][16]

Public history and cultural heritage work

Adebowale's work spans archival preservation, historical research, cultural documentation, public history, and heritage interpretation.

He was among the Nigerians selected by the Horniman Museum and Gardens in the United Kingdom to contribute to the #ThenAndNow: Nigeria at 60 project, a collaboration between the museum and Nigerian creatives and researchers marking the 60th anniversary of Nigeria's independence.[18] Adebowale contributed an essay examining migration between Nigeria and the United Kingdom and reflections on the country's historical experience.[19][20]

Adebowale was also one of the Nigerian experts involved in the selection of the 16 òrìṣas featured in Who's Who in the Yorùbá Pantheon, a publication produced by Iwalewa Books in cooperation with the Goethe-Institut Nigeria.[21] The publication explores the spiritual and cultural significance of 16 Yoruba òrìṣas and was intended primarily for young Nigerian and international readers.[22] Other Nigerian experts involved included Prof. Wale Adeniran, Chief Priest Ifayemi Elebuibon, Oloye Muraina Oyelami, Emma Uduma, and Yinka Akanbi.[23]

On 19 October 2024, Adebowale was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy Honoris Causa in the field of Public Administration and an Integrity Fellow Humanitarian Award from Anointed University, South Africa, for his contributions to Nigerian culture and the arts.[24][25]

Curatorial projects and exhibitions

As a curator and heritage professional, Adebowale has conceived, curated, and produced numerous exhibitions, including:

  • Colours of Our History: 1851 Bombardment of Lagos (2018)[26]
  • Ogun State African Drum Festival Exhibition (2019)[15]
  • Chief Ebenezer Obey Museum Booth, Federal College of Education, Osiele, Abeokuta (2019)[27]
  • Wole Soyinka at 86: WSICE Birthday Exhibition (2019)[28]
  • Timeless Memories: Elastic Effects of Wole Soyinka (2019–2026)[29]
  • British Council 75th Anniversary Virtual Exhibition (2020)[5]
  • Cycles of Fashion — Terra Kulture and Federal Ministry of Information and Culture Project (2020)[30][31]
  • Vintage Nigeria Digital Campaign in collaboration with the Rockefeller Archive Center and Ford Foundation (2020)[32]
  • Moses Majekodunmi Archive Exhibition, Lagos Polo Club (2023)[33]
  • Sijuwade Memorial Exhibition and Celebration (2025)[34]
  • In the Beginning there was Cloth (2025)[35]

Participating exhibitions

As an artist, researcher, and archivist, Adebowale has participated in exhibitions including:

Archive digitization and preservation

Adebowale has led and supported archival preservation and digitization initiatives, including:

  • Digitization of the Archive of Dr. Chief Moses Adekoyejo Majekodunmi (2022)[33]
  • Chief Dr. Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi Museum Booth Project, Federal College of Education, Osiele, Abeokuta (2019)[27]

History and technology

In 2021, Adebowale developed 1851 Agidingbi Chess, a history-themed chess variant based on the 1851 Bombardment of Lagos.[37][38] The game was conceived as a means of using technology and game design to engage younger audiences with Nigerian history. It features chess pieces named after historical figures and institutions associated with Lagos, including Erelu-Kuti of Lagos, the Oba of Lagos, Adamu Eyo, Omo Ogun Eko, Eletu-Odibo and Abagbon.[38]

The game was produced in both digital and physical board-game formats.[39] The app version was released in May 2022 and was available on iOS and Android, while the physical version was developed as a commemorative and collector's edition.[40]

FIlm and Media Contributions

As a researcher and archivist, Adebowale has contributed research and archival expertise to film productions. He served as lead researcher for Funmilayo, a biographical film about Nigerian political activist Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and The Man Died, a film based on the life and work of Nigerian writer and Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka.[41]

His work on The Man Died also extended to the historical and archival interpretation of Soyinka's work. In 2024, Adebowale curated The Man Who Didn't Die in the Face of Tyranny, the seventh edition of his Timeless Memories: Elastic Effects of Wole Soyinka exhibition, which explored Soyinka's life and work through materials related to The Man Died.[42]

In October 2025, Adebowale was featured on CNN's African Voices: Changemakers, where journalist Larry Madowo profiled his work in preserving Nigerian cultural heritage. The programme described Adebowale as a historian and researcher who uses digital media and technology to promote, preserve, and document Nigerian history and noted his work consulting on films.[4]

Publications

Adebowale is the author of The Fabric of a Nation: Essays on Nigeria's History, Arts and Culture, a collection of essays and scholarly reflections examining Nigerian history, heritage, identity, arts, and cultural development.[43][44][45]

Adebowale was also the Nigerian project curator and producer of Timeless Memories: Conversations between Wole Soyinka and Ulli Beier, a publication that emerged from the Timeless Memories Project, a collaboration involving the University of Limpopo, the University of Zululand, South Africa's Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, and Adebowale.[46][47] The book, edited by Olufemi Abodunrin and Mogomme Masoga, presents conversations between Nigerian writer Wole Soyinka and German-born scholar Ulli Beier on Yoruba culture, religion, literature and indigenous knowledge.[48]

Professional memberships

  • Fellow, Royal Society of Arts (RSA), United Kingdom[49]
  • Associate Fellow, Royal Historical Society (UK)[50]
  • Member, International Council on Archives (ICA)[51]
  • Executive Committee Member, ICA Section on Literary Archives (2025–2029)[52]

References

  1. ↑ Nigeria, Guardian (10 June 2026). "From archives to impact: Adebowale admitted as fellow of the Royal Society of Arts". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  2. ↑ "Nigerian Curator, Adebowale Named an Associate Fellow of the Royal Historical Society". This Day. Retrieved 26 June 2025.
  3. ↑ "Nigerian Archivist Takes Global Stage With Appointment on ICA Executive Committee – THISDAYLIVE". Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  4. 1 2 Lee, Lauren. How two guardians of Nigerian heritage are preserving culture | CNN. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  5. 1 2 "Oludàmọ́lá O. Adebowale - The Nigerian Brazilian Project". The Nigerian Brazilian Project. Archived from the original on 22 October 2024. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  6. ↑ Telegraph, New (9 March 2022). "Nigeria-Brazil: There is so much history, documentation to be done – Adebowale". New Telegraph. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  7. 1 2 3 4 Admin, New Telegraph (13 July 2023). "Afrobeat Has Done Extensive Repair Of Nigeria's Image –Adebowale". New Telegraph. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  8. ↑ "'Why we preserve history using illustrations'". Daily Trust. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  9. ↑ Nation, The (1 November 2020). "ASIRI Magazine kicks off digital campaign project". The Nation Newspaper. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  10. 1 2 Nigeria, Guardian (31 October 2021). "Oludamola Adebowale: Curating Memories To Outlive Generations". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  11. 1 2 Awodipe, Tobi (14 March 2026). "With HerStory Nigeria, gender equity, heritage preservation takes stage". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  12. 1 2 Features, BellaNaija (5 March 2026). "How ASIRI Magazine Is Documenting Women's Contributions to Nigeria Between 1910 and 1950". BellaNaija. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  13. 1 2 3 Nwafor (15 December 2020). "Adebowale is new Senior Curator for Nigerian-Brazilian history project". Vanguard News. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  14. ↑ Telegraph, New (15 August 2023). "Adebowale: History, important glue for bilateral, cross-cultural connection". New Telegraph. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  15. 1 2 3 Nigeria, Guardian (2 December 2020). "Nigerian-Brazilian History Project Appoints Oludamola Adebowale As Curator". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  16. 1 2 "Home - The Nigerian Brazilian Project". The Nigerian Brazilian Project. Archived from the original on 6 December 2025. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  17. ↑ Okoronkwo, Nnenna (18 January 2021). "Brazilian History Project Appoints Adebowale As Its Senior Curator". Voice of Nigeria. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  18. ↑ "Nigeria60: Then and Now". Horniman Museum and Gardens. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  19. ↑ "Nigeria60: Reflections on 'Then and Now'". Horniman Museum and Gardens. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  20. ↑ "Nigerian-Brazilian History Project appoints Adebowale as its Senior Curator – THISDAYLIVE". Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  21. ↑ "Current Newsletter". www.acasaonline.org. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  22. ↑ Kan, Toni (8 February 2023). "Goethe-Institut Nigeria hosts "Who's Who in the Yoruba Pantheon" reading Feb 16". The Lagos Review. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  23. ↑ "WHO IS WHO IN THE YORUBA PANTHEON". Quintessence. Archived from the original on 15 September 2025. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  24. ↑ "Nigerian Cultural Advocate Honored with Doctorate for Historical Preservation Efforts – THISDAYLIVE". Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  25. ↑ Oladokun, Itoro (22 October 2024). "Renowned Nigerian Researcher Earns Honorary Doctorate for Preserving Heritage". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  26. ↑ Sesan (16 November 2018). "Asiri recounts Nigeria's history in colourful exhibition". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  27. 1 2 "A Museum Booth for Ebenezer Obey – THISDAYLIVE". Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  28. ↑ Nigeria, Guardian (22 June 2020). "WSICE 2020 Virtual Exhibition: Celebrating Wole Soyinka at 86". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  29. ↑ Nwafor (8 July 2024). "Timeless Memories: Elastic Effects exhibition (VII) celebrates Wole Soyinka at 90". Vanguard News. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  30. ↑ "COLOURFUL GLIMPSES OF NIGERIA'S SARTORIAL HISTORY – THISDAYLIVE". Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  31. ↑ Oyeyemi, Tunji (12 October 2020). "Speech by The HMIC, Alh. Lai Mohammed, at The Opening of The 'Cycles Of Fashion' Exhibition Celebrating Nigeria's Diamond Jubilee....at Terra Kulture". Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  32. ↑ Akande, Araayo (10 November 2020). "ASIRI Magazine showcases rare Nigerian historical images". www.theculturenewspaper.com. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  33. 1 2 Meshioye, David (26 February 2023). "Majekodunmi legacy revived at Lagos Polo Club". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  34. ↑ Abimbola, Oluwakemi (8 August 2025). "Exhibition honouring late Ooni of Ife, Oba Sijuwade, opens in Lagos". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  35. ↑ Amos, Kobor (16 August 2025). "Nigeria's textile history comes alive at Afrikstabel's exhibition". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  36. ↑ "Exhibitors for Lagos: Ownership and Identities". UNILAG Africa Multiple Research Centre. University of Lagos. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  37. ↑ "Using Technology to Preserve Lagos/Nigerian History". techcabal.com. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  38. 1 2 Nigeria, Guardian (30 October 2022). "1851 Agidingbi: Nigeria's First Indigenous Variant Of The Chess Game". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  39. ↑ Telegraph, New (9 October 2021). "1851 Agidingbi Game app: Documenting, promoting history, culture". New Telegraph. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  40. ↑ Obinna, Emelike (16 October 2022). "'I have created a collector's art piece, an exclusive entertainment offering with 1851 Agidingbi'". Businessday NG. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  41. ↑ "Nigerian Cultural Advocate Honored with Doctorate for Historical Preservation Efforts – THISDAYLIVE". Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  42. ↑ Kareem, Azeez (19 July 2024). "Adebowale's The Man Who Didn't Die In The Face Of Tyranny pays homage to Soyinka". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  43. ↑ Ozolua, Uhakheme (3 December 2025). "When love for archive, history supercedes all". The Nation Newspaper. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  44. ↑ Oyindamola, Bakare Oluwatobiloba (17 November 2025). "Dr. Olúdàmọ́lá Adébọ̀wálé Releases "The Fabric of a Nation", A New Study on Nigeria's History and Culture - JAY Lit". Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  45. ↑ Adebowale, Oludamola (2025). The Fabric of a Nation: Essays on Nigeria's History, Arts & Culture. Wildeye Creative Solutions Limited. ISBN 979-8272448095.
  46. ↑ Adebowale, Oludamola (2021). "Timeless memories : a celebration of life and humanity : conversation between Wole Soyinka and Ulli Beier". UL Documentary Collection.
  47. ↑ Abodunrin, Femi (1 July 2026). "Olu Obafemi and the African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKS)". Southern African Journal for Folklore Studies. doi:10.25159/2663-6697/21855.
  48. ↑ "Timeless Memories: Conversations between Wole Soyinka & Ulli Beier" (PDF). INTELLECTUS: The African Journal of Philosophy. 1 (2): 154–158.
  49. ↑ Nigeria, Guardian (10 June 2026). "From archives to impact: Adebowale admitted as fellow of the Royal Society of Arts". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  50. ↑ "List of current Associate Fellows as of February 2026" (PDF). Royal Historical Society. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  51. ↑ Ozolua, Uhakheme (10 December 2025). "Adebowale appointed executive member International Council on Archives". The Nation Newspaper. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
  52. ↑ Oboh (19 December 2025). "Nigerian archivist takes global stage on ICA executive committee". Vanguard News. Retrieved 19 August 2026.
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