The Cultural Significance of Owambe and Its Global Implications
Owambe, a term deeply rooted in Yoruba culture, has long symbolised generous celebratory hospitality. It is a tradition that involves music, food, and vibrant dressing, where participation is often unrestrained and the spirit of generosity is at its peak. The Ijebu people are credited with exporting and refining this cultural practice to other Yoruba communities and beyond, spreading its influence throughout Southern Nigeria.
Late General Adeyinka Adebayo, who governed the Western Region, was famously known as the “Owambe Governor” due to his reputation for hosting extravagant events. This title not only highlighted his role as a leader but also popularised the word “Owambe” in public discourse. Some accounts suggest that he used resources from ranches established by Obafemi Awolowo, including mother and grandfather stocks, for these lavish parties, which sparked controversy among critics.
Growing up, I have always loved Owambe and continue to appreciate its cultural richness. The British, having colonised us, understood the significance of Owambe, especially when it came to a Yoruba President with an Ijebu wife. It is believed that either the British cabinet or Gilbert Chagoury, a Nigerian billionaire diplomat, orchestrated Nigeria’s alignment with British national interests through the lens of Owambe. For the British, the king serves as a great salesman in a competitive global market, where every nation seeks buyers for their goods and services.
The British have demonstrated their strategic approach by reaching out to leaders like President Donald Trump when he proposed a 35% trade tariff on European countries. Learning from the Zelensky experience, Keir Starmer, the British Prime Minister, quickly arranged for King Charles III to invite Trump for a state visit to the UK. This decision reflects the importance of state visits in fostering economic and political relationships, particularly with Commonwealth nations like Nigeria.
State visits are more than just ceremonial; they serve as strategic tools for the UK to expand its influence and secure new markets. Under King Charles III, the monarchy functions as a soft-power instrument, facilitating diplomatic and economic engagement. The optics of such visits matter, but the tangible outcomes are even more crucial.
During a White House audience on February 27, 2025, Starmer revealed the King’s invitation, which excited the US President about a second state visit to the UK on September 16-18, 2025. This visit led to improved trade deals and investments, particularly in AI, creating thousands of jobs in the UK. The UK’s efforts to maintain its relationship with the US were evident during this period.
I was pleased to see the Nigerian President and his wife enjoy the pomp and pageantry offered by the British during their state visit from March 18-19, 2026. This visit marked a 37-year hiatus and was significant for several reasons. However, it was clear that Senator Tinubu outshone the President with his well-dressed appearance, contrasting with the President’s caftan. Three pictures in green, navy blue, and beige were shared, and while some speculated they might be AI-inspired, there was a need for better coordination between the Senator and the President to ensure a more presidential image.
The King’s endorsement of Naija jollof as the best in West Africa was notable, though it raised questions about whether it would be featured in every state banquet. Speaking in pidgin, as seen in the expression “Naija nor dey carry last,” was welcomed as part of the British strategy to focus on minor details. The British had previously not accepted pidgin as a language, but its acceptance by the United Nations was a relief.
PBAT did not meet with the leader of the opposition, Mrs Kemi Badenoch, leading to media speculation about a presidential snub. However, it remains unclear if Madam Badenoch expressed a desire to meet or was indeed snubbed. In times of conflict, diplomatic dialogue should continue, as the Yoruba proverb suggests: “Agba ti ko binu ni omo re npo si.”
According to official sources, the Nigerian President, in his caftan, held discussions with the UK government at 10 Downing Street, focusing on trade, investment, defence cooperation, immigration, and cultural exchange. However, the specifics of how these discussions addressed Nigeria’s security challenges remain uncertain.
A major economic deal involved the UK Export Finance providing a £746m loan to refurbish the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex. This project, however, sourced British steel rather than linking with the underdeveloped Nigerian steel industry from Ajaokuta. Questions remain about the competitiveness of this deal compared to other global options.
There was also an “off the mic” immigration agreement, the details of which remain unclear. Bayo Onanuga noted that this deal differed from the Rwandese one or the previous Nigerian-US agreement involving the transfer of criminals. This raises concerns about the implications for individuals like Ekweremadu, who could potentially return to contest for governorship after serving time.
While I agree that PBAT should not have unilaterally cancelled the state visit following the bombing in Borno on March 16, 2026, I believe that instructing high-level security officials to stay behind and urging the vice-president to lead a team to Borno would have been a more effective response. The increase in insecurity in Northern Nigeria seems to follow a familiar pattern aimed at frustrating PBAT’s second-term plans.
Nigerians should be concerned about the budgetary costs of this Owambe diplomacy. Why did so many accompany the President? Why were some Governors present at the British Owambe? The claim of 17 people accompanying the President is misleading, as it includes various officials and hangers-on. This lavish expenditure highlights a troubling laissez-faire attitude, especially for a country grappling with poverty.
The lingering colonial mentality, which may be classified as a skin colour inferiority complex, continues to affect Nigerians. The allure of royal Owambe can easily be overestimated as a success despite increasing poverty at home. As Mark Carney, the Canadian Prime Minister, highlighted at Davos, some countries are at the table, while others are on the menu. One of my daughters aptly put it: in these relationships, you are either the predator or the prey, and if you are still wondering about your status, you are the prey.
Engagement with the United Kingdom or any global partner is essential, but it must be guided by clear national interests, rigorous cost-benefit analysis, and a commitment to domestic capacity building. Let the music play on, as Nigerians continue to seek accountability on who is truly paying the price for this Owambe diplomacy.
