The National Gallery of Art (NGA) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of renowned Nigerian artist Olu Ajayi, describing his passing as a significant loss to the country’s cultural and artistic heritage.
In a statement on the artist’s death, reportedly on May 23 at St. Nicholas Hospital in Lagos, NGA Director-General Ahmed Sodangi said Ajayi’s four-decade career left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s creative landscape.
“Ajayi’s bold use of colour and his signature pseudo-human figures defined an artistic style that captivated audiences around the world,” Sodangi said. “His legacy and immense contributions to Nigerian art will be sorely missed.”
Ajayi held successful solo exhibitions in Nigeria, South Africa, the US, the UK, Canada and across Europe. His works were sold at Burnham’s Auction House, and he was listed in the Who’s Who in Art compendium, earning recognition as one of the top 100 artists globally.
A native of Ososo in Edo State, Ajayi was born on August 18, 1963, and graduated from Auchi Polytechnic in 1984 with a Higher National Diploma in Fine Arts. He was among the early full-time studio artists in Nigeria and served as chairman of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), Lagos chapter.
He also played key roles in the Guild of Professional Fine Artists of Nigeria (GFA) and the Visual Art Society of Nigeria (VASON) and pioneered notable art events such as October Rain and Art Café.
Sodangi prayed for the peaceful repose of Ajayi’s soul and expressed hope that his work would continue to inspire future generations.
