AGAN honours Odimayo at 75

 

AGAN honours Odimayo at 75

By Ozolua Uhakheme

Assistant Editor (Arts)

 

Caption: From left Miss Kemi Aderinto, Omooba Bode Odimayo, Mr. Chuma Ikenze, Olasehinde Odimayo, Ms. Udochi Iheanacho, Mr. Moses Ohiomokhare, Pastor Olamakinde and Dr. Mudiare Onobrakpeya.

 

 

Proprietor Treasure House Gallery, Prince Olasehinde Odimayo is a quiet and reserved gentleman. He is not dispose to frivolities. Within the art circuit, he is perceived as a hard-task master who dares where many feared, but cherishes records keeping and details. With age, he is now more concerned with inner mind than physical. Little wonder, he now wears some bushes of white bears over his cheeks, which were hardly seen before.

When he was honoured recently by Art Galleries Association of Nigeria (AGAN), on his 75^th birthday, his simple dress code stood him out among the selected guests. Interestingly, the special lunch, which was also attended by friends and relations was held at the Radisson Hotels on Isaac John Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, twelve days after his birthday proper and was first time Odimayo will mark his birthday.

The gathering was not the regular red carpet ball with the trappings of an ‘Owambe’. It was a purely a moment of reflection and reminiscences of fond memories particularly of some landmark events in the art scene in the last three decades. Odimayo turned 75 on December 2, 2024.  The celebration was attended by Omooba Bode Odimayo, Mr. Chuma Ikenze, Olasehinde Odimayo, Ms. Udochi Iheanacho, Mr. Moses Ohiomokhare, Pastor Olamakinde, Nana Asumah Sonoiki, Dr. Mudiare Onobrakpeya and Miss Kemi Aderinto.

One of Nigeria’s leading curators Moses Ohiomokhare described the celebrator as a resourceful gallery proprietor and an icon who dedicated his life and career to elevating Nigerian art and culture. “He established himself as a force to reckon with. He inspired many younger generations with his tireless advocacy for creativity. He is a voice in the art industry influencing artists, curators and collectors,” he added.

As he celebrated his 75th birthday Odimayo’s legacy stands as a beacon of cultural preservation and artistic excellence. His life’s work—spanning curatorial, mentorship and advocacy—continues to inspire new generations, ensuring that the story of Nigerian and African art remains vibrant and enduring. His journey, from the heart of Ondo State to the heights of the global art scene, is a testament to his vision, resilience, and unwavering belief in the power of art to bridge cultures and preserve heritage.

Odimayo, a specialist of about three decades experience in the Nigerian art market recalled his journey in the art, especially gallery business, which birthed on the doggedness of a handful of pathfinders and risk bearers when art was less attractive to many.

“I worked with late Ben Enwonwu from 1988 to 1991. It was a very turbulent relationship. I sold a pair of very large canvas of Enwonwu’s paintings @N500,000. It was the highest amount paid for artwork at that time,” he recalled. 

On 30 April 1982, the historic Treasure House salon took place on Victoria Island, Lagos when he and Folabi were briefly partners at that time. “The artists exhibited were Kolade Oshinowo, late Bisi Fakeye, Abiodun Olaku, Bunmi Babatunde, Felix Osieme, Tayo W Atigbi, Toni Okujeni, Olu Ajayi, Kehinde Sanwo, Jude Eseurhobo, late Erhabor Emokpae, Toyin Alade, Ishola Akande, Abayomi Barber, and Fred Akpomuje.  This was the very art show after the first generation of art galleries went moribund such as Affi Ekong's Gallery, Gong Gallery owned by Mrs Emily Imoukhuede wife of Frank Imoukhuede Jiraj Gallery owned by late Olujimi Raji who was also art teacher at Yaba College of Technology. Total sales was N212,795.50 and total cost was N95,301.89 and net profit was N17,493.63; and as working capital Folabi contributed N6,245 and I contributed N7,171.87,” he said. 

Odimayo also worked with Ben Osawe from 1990 to 2003. In 1990, he attended Sotheby’s educational studies for about three months. I was the first black African to study there. In April 1991, he staged first salon show for Ben Osawe and in September 1991, he staged Offerings From My Retreat for Ben Osawe and Wole Soyinka was guest of honour. He staged 30 years on the road for Prof. Solomon Irein Wangboje in 1998. In April 1994, the inaugural show was staged to open Treasure House Gallery Allen Avenue, Ikeja. But in July 2006, Treasure House opened for business on Awolowo Road Ikoyi Lagos. Since 1982, he has been involved in the building of the collections of Sammy Olagbaju, the Chartered Bank, National Bank, Adedotun Sulaiman, John  Pepper and Ebun Clark, The Skye Bank, IBTC Bank, Oladele Odimayo, Mike Oduah, Yemisi Shyllon Art Foundation, Joe and Sandra and many other private and corporate art collections.

He also consulted for the Omooba Yemisi Shyllon Art Foundation, The Omooba Oladele Odimayo Art Foundation collection, the Odunayo Olagundoye art collection, the John Pepper and Ebun Clark Art Collection, Arthouse Contemporary Gallery and Sotheby’s London.

Odimayo completed his undergraduate studies in Languages, specializing in German, at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), demonstrating an early affinity for communication and cultural exploration. His academic foundation in languages gave him an appreciation for cross-cultural exchange, which became a hallmark of his future work in the arts.   

To further refine his expertise, Odimayo attended the prestigious Art Business Programme at Sotheby’s Institute of Art, where he gained specialized knowledge in art valuation, curation and market dynamics. This diverse educational background—spanning language, fine arts, art history, and art business—equipped him with a unique perspective that would later define his approach to promoting African art and curating distinguished collections.