By Osa Mbonu-Amadi, Arts Editor

Saturday, June 21, 2025, was a remarkable day for both the Cartoon Association of Nigeria, CARTAN, and the art icon, Emeritus Professor Dele Jegede, who turned 80 on April 19. On this day, CARTAN opened an art exhibition in honour of Prof. Dele Jegede’s 80th birthday. The exhibition, titled “A Life Well Drawn,” ran until June 28.

Delivering his welcome address at the event, CARTAN President, Mr. Dada Adekola, described Prof. Jegede as “a towering figure whose wit, lines, and intellect have shaped the landscape of Nigerian cartooning and visual art,” noting that it was an occasion to honour a living legend whose pen has provoked thought, sparked laughter, and challenged power.

“Through cartoons, paintings, and drawings,” Mr. Adekola said, “Dr. jegede has chronicled our national journey with both satire and sensitivity — and has laid the foundation for generations of artists and thinkers to follow.”

Mr. Adekola explained that the exhibition was a heartfelt celebration of Prof. Dele Jegede’s remarkable contributions as a cartoonist, art historian, educator, and cultural commentator. Each artwork on display reflected deep admiration for his pioneering legacy, with special thanks extended to the Didi Museum for hosting and to the dedicated artists involved.

Mr. Adekola also gave special recognition to the Bruce Onobrakpeya Foundation and its esteemed leader, Pa Bruce Onobrakpeya, for their vital support. His tribute highlighted Prof. Jegede’s influence in elevating cartooning into a powerful art form and acknowledged the lasting impact of his wisdom, humour, and artistry on the Nigerian art community.

Pa Bruce Onobrakpeya, in his tribute, described Prof. Dele Jegede as “a towering figure in Nigerian and African art, a courageous satirist, a builder of institutions, and an indefatigable chronicler of culture.” He said Jegede’s life and work exemplify the power of art not only to delight, but to confront, critique, and uplift.

“Although dele and I did not overlap at the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology in Zaria—he graduated nearly a decade after I did—our paths are joined by a shared commitment to artistic excellence, cultural identity, and intellectual freedom.”

Onobrakpeya said Jegede “came into the Zaria tradition with a bold voice and a critical mind, expanding its scope through scholarship, humour, and advocacy.”

Also speaking at the opening of the exhibition, Dr. Kolade Oshinowo noted that although Dele Jegede lives in the United States, “he knows what is happening in Nigeria more than us who live in Nigeria.” He said Prof. Jegede is deeply passionate about Nigeria. “One thing we need to know about is his desire to be home… I find in him, a very dependable individual. Since 1969, we have been miles apart, but we have kept in touch. His passion is so exemplary.”

Oshinowo said that when Prof. Jegede is committed to a cause, he gives it his all. “I was telling someone who was interviewing me that they didn’t want him to go…because he had done so much. You hardly find anybody who could equal his achievements, whether locally there, or internationally. When jegede is going to present a paper, the hall will be full. He was that type of person.

“Has anyone seen Jegede’s handwriting? It’s so beautiful. Honestly, you would think it’s (the work of) a machine,” Oshinowo said.

In his brief remarks, Prof. Kunle Filani thanked CARTAN “for putting the art exhibition together for our mentor (Prof jegede).” He described Jegede as a very humble person, attributing his numerous achievements to that character trait. “I am very happy to say that our elders here. Pa Bruce, at over 90, is here. He is a living legend. Same goes for Oshinowo.” Filani said Prof. Jegede shares the same qualities with the other living legends who came to celebrate him with an art exhibition at 80.

Among the artists who participated in the exhibition were Mike Asukwo, Tayo Fatunla, Dada Adekola (President of CARTAN), Morak Oguntade, Albert Ohams, Chino Obasi, Samuel Ojo, and Francis Umendu Odupute.

Other artists who showcased their works during the one-week exhibition included Ganiyu Jimoh, Femi Adedeji, Chinyere Ifeka, Victor Asowata, Jimoh Samsideen, Chuks Onwudinjo, Adeboye Adegbenro, Marvel Mudiaga, Ohue Efosa Wilfred, Leke Moses, Okpara Moses Ginika, and Kehinde Omotosho.

The exhibition was supported by Tiger Foods Limited.