Fashion
The Royal Oath: A Fashion Show Reviving Benin’s Regal Heritage in Abuja
On February 23rd in Abuja the audience at the Royal Oath witnessed a captivating fashion show that featured history, culture and style. Organized by Africana Couture under the leadership of Charles Oronsaye, the event was more than a fashion show; it was a revival of the 18th-century wedding from the Benin kingdom.

Benin cultural attire
A Journey Back To Time
The Royal Oath fashion show took her audience back in time to the era of Oba Ewuare, a greatly respected king of the Benin king bringing to our attention his marriage to two sisters. The event brought to life history through elaborate costumes, traditional dances, and performances that pay homage to the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria. Royal Oath didn’t stop at Benin; it also showcased influences from other African cultures, including the Urhobo, Arewa, Yoruba, Igbo, Senegalese, Malian, and Ivorian kingdoms.

Fashion and Culture
Fashion Meets Culture
Africana Couture is known for its commitment in preserving and promoting African heritage through fashion. It tells real African stories instead of embracing foreign influences, the brand emphasizes the importance of cultural identity “We are sticking to culture; we are not borrowing stories,” says Oronsaye.
The fashion show doesn’t focus on beauty alone; it’s a deep experience that educates and inspires. Those who attended saw intricate designs that reflected the magnificence of African royalty, complemented by performances that reenact these stories on stage.

Real warri pikin
Empowering the Next Generation
Aside from the fun of the show, Royal Oath served as a platform where emerging talents in the fashion industry are trained. Also Africana Couture plans to set up aspiring designers, offering them training and opportunities to display their work on a global stage. This idea would stem continuous growth and innovation within Nigeria’s fashion space.

The Royal Oath
Economic and Social Impact
Also the event added a positive impact on the Nigerian economy. It brought an avenue for job opportunities for photographers, stylists, costumiers, and other artists. Africana Couture has launched the Africana 17 Charitable Foundation, with the goal of supporting Nigeria’s healthcare sector. The foundation’s first project is focused on raising funds for dialysis machines for the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, establishing the brand’s dedication to social responsibility.

Culture and Fashion
A Cultural Movement
The Royal Oath was not just a fashion show; it was a cultural movement that aimed at preserving and celebrating Nigeria’s rich roots. By bringing back traditional elements through contemporary fashion, the event promoted a greater sense of unity and national pride. Oronsaye says, “By preserving and promoting our heritage, we can inspire future generations and strengthen our national identity.”

Federal ministry of culture and tourism partnering with Africana couture
Conclusion
In a time where globalization often dominates local traditions, The Royal Oath stands as a proof to the power of storytelling through fashion. It not only reveals the beauty of African culture but also empowers the next generation of creatives to embrace and promote their history.
The Royal Oath by Africana Couture was exceptional, an event one should swear an oath never to miss. Look out for another event by Africana Couture.Charles Oronsaye and his team are indeed an Inspiration upcoming fashion enthusiast should look out for.
read this too Davido’s presence in Lagos fashion week
Fashion
Oleku Is Back and Better, But with a Fresh Twist
The Oleku style is making its way into the spotlight but with a redefined twist. The classic Nigerian short wrapper style is back, from Lagos parties to celebrity photo shoots, the oleku is everywhere again. The women bringing it back are not playing it safe at all.
Mercy Aigbe

Photo: Instagram/Mercyaigbe
Mercy Aigbe wore a two-piece dress in black and burgundy damask brocade with intricate swirls, featuring wide, flared sleeves and an asymmetrical mini hemline detailed with metallic gold fringe. She accessorized with a sculptural gele crafted from the same damask fabric, round retro-style sunglasses, a metallic gold chain necklace and a small rectangular red micro bag. The outfit was paired with red strappy high-heeled sandals.
Nelly Mbonu

Photo: Instagram/Nellymbonu
Nelly Mbonu wore a fitted lace two-piece dress featuring three-quarter sleeves and a floor-length side train, crafted from an intricate overlay lace woven in sky blue and silver threads. Her accessories included a gele made from a cerulean blue fabric, a matching blue ipele draped over her right arm in silver floral print, a filigree gold pendant with matching drop earrings. For footwear, she wore classic white pointed-toe pumps.
Kiekie

Photo: Instagram/Kiekie
Kiekie wore a high-low two-piece from Accost Collection, her brand in jacquard with an intricate pattern in blue, magenta and red, with puff sleeves and a pleated short side train. She styled the look with a large, multi-layered gele crafted from the same jacquard fabric, traditional layered coral bead necklaces from Ordawyse Jewels and matching bracelets. She completed the look with dark cat-eye sunglasses and a cherry red quilted leather bag. She wore turquoise satin pointed-toe pumps.
Simi Dapson

Photo: Instagram/Simisanya
Simi Dapson stepped out in a gold two-piece adorned with sequins, beads, and intricate embroidery, featuring sheer long sleeves and a draped detail extending from the hip. She accessorized with a gele in a muted champagne tone adorned with dark embroidery, a bold necklace and matching drop earrings, and a rectangular clutch fully covered in sparkling red sequins. She wore open-toe high-heeled shoes.
Bimbo Ademoye

Photo: Instagram/Bimboademoye
Bimbo Ademoye wore a metallic silver co-ord set trimmed with deep red ostrich feathers, styled with a red metallic gele, gold earrings, necklace and complemented by red strappy heels.
Hilda Baci

Photo: Instagram/Hildabaci
Hilda Baci wore a lace embroidered top, ruched pink mini skirt, a bow-tied pink gele, a silver mini bag and embellished kitten heels.
Bose Ogulu

Photo: Instagram/Boseogulu
Bose Ogulu, Burna Boy’s mother and manager, wore a neon green lace crochet blouse with wide, bell-shaped sleeves and a high-waisted mini skirt in green-and-gold brocade. She styled it with a gele in matching green-and-gold fabric, a gold necklace, drop earrings, and metallic clutch.
These women are not just revisiting an old trend. They are reshaping it through redefined fabric choices and better styling. The oleku is no longer just for owambe. It has moved into broader fashion dialogue, and these looks shows its continued relevance.
Entertainment
British-Nigerian Rapper Dave Announces First Lagos Headline Show.
British-Nigerian rapper David Orobosa Omoregie popularly known as Dave, has officially announced his first headline concert in Lagos, scheduled for 16 and 17 October, 2026, at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Cultural and Creative Arts formerly known as the National Theatre. The announcement was made through Dave’s official social media platforms. He revealed that the shows to be performed are part of his ongoing “The boy who played the harp” world tour.
Dave is widely recognised as one of the most successful rap artist in United Kingdom with several awards.

Photo: Instagram
Despite his Nigerian root, he has never headlined a concert in Nigeria before. This makes the announcement a homecoming moment as one of the most successful British-Nigerian artist prepares to perform in Nigeria for the first time.
The Lagos shows are being viewed as a significant milestone in his career indicating his global success and a special return to his ancestral roots. Which strengthens the growing connection between global music stars and African audiences. The performances are expected to bring together fans from across Nigeria and beyond, as it celebrates the growing influence of African culture on the global music scene. The Lagos shows further strengthens the growing connection between international music stars and African audiences.

Photo: Instagram
As the concert date continues to draw nearer, anticipation continues to build among fans eager to witness Dave’s headline concert in Nigeria. With his strong reputation for live shows, lyrical storytelling, and chart-topping records the concert is expected to be the most remarkable music event in Lagos this year.
Fashion
Nike and Slawn Unveils Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup Collection.
Nike and Slawn a Nigerian-born, London-based artist have officially unveiled their collaborative Nigeria-inspired collection linked to Nike’s 2026 football campaign on 26 of May, 2026.
The partnership, which merges sport, fashion, and street culture, has already sparked online for its unique design and strong representation of the Nigerian identity.

Photo: Instagram
Slawn, known for his creative style, graffiti-inspired graphics to the collection, moving beyond the traditional jersey concept making Nigeria’s cultural identity blend with streetwear aesthetics. The piece featured hand-drawn artistic combination of green, black and white colourways with spray paint, and large ‘NAIJA’ branding.
The collection includes various fashion piece such as jerseys, hoodies, T-shirts and jackets all carrying unique artistic designs that differentiate them from traditional football merchandise. One unique feature is the bold NAIJA branding.

Photo: Instagram
What makes the unveiling even more significant is the lineup of famous Nigerian personalities featured in the campaign, including Jay-Jay Okocha, Patience Ozokwo, Samuel Chukwueze and Tolu Arokodare.
Beyond football, the collaboration highlights how sportswear continues to intersect with art and entertainment. Rather than presenting football only as a sport, Nike and Slawn’s collaboration is aligned with celebrating the country’s creativity, street energy and global cultural relevance.

Photo: Instagram
Many fans have linked the collection to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, it is important to note that the collaboration is a special lifestyle collection and not Nigeria’s official World Cup kit.
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