Nigerian performance artist Jelili Atiku detained in Lagos over sacred ceremony
On May 3, 2019, Nigerian performance artist Jelili Atiku was apprehended in Lagos, according to Artists At Risk. From the Police Area Command in Mushin, he shared on Instagram his dedication to safeguarding the sacred Omagbo and displayed remnants of a Yoruba ritual honoring the deity Orisha. Known for his advocacy in human rights and justice, Atiku has a history of arrests; in 2016, he faced charges for disturbing the peace due to his performance 'Aragamago Will Rid This Land of Terrorism,' which displeased local traditional ruler Oba Morufu Ojool, the Elejigbo of Ejigbo. In 2017, he targeted Boko Haram with his performance 'Kill Not This Country,' donning a gas mask and wielding a staff of skulls. Alongside him, several activists were also detained. He was honored with the Prince Claus Award in The Netherlands in 2016 for his impactful performances and participated in Manifesta in 2018. Atiku was released on May 13, 2019, with a trial scheduled for May 20.
Key facts
- Jelili Atiku was detained in Lagos on May 3, 2019.
- He posted on Instagram from the Police Area Command in Mushin.
- The detention involved a sacred Yoruba ceremony honoring Orisha.
- Atiku has been arrested before, including in 2016 on charges related to a performance.
- The 2016 performance 'Aragamago Will Rid This Land of Terrorism' angered Oba Morufu Ojool.
- In 2017, he performed 'Kill Not This Country' against Boko Haram.
- He won the Prince Claus Award in 2016 and participated in Manifesta in 2018.
- Atiku was released on May 13, 2019, with a trial date of May 20.
Entities
Artists
- Jelili Atiku
- Oba Morufu Ojool
Institutions
- Artists At Risk
- Prince Claus Award
- Manifesta
Locations
- Lagos
- Nigeria
- Mushin
- The Netherlands
- Ejigbo