Born December 2,1949, Prince Olasehinde Odimayo, passed on June 17, 2026 at the age of 76 years. A release from his family need that the renowned galleries, art patron and activist, “lived a remarkable life characterised by faith, integrity, compassion and unwavering commitment to his family, community, and the Arts. His legacy of kindness, wisdom and selfless service will continue to inspire all who were privileged to know him. His burial service has been fixed for June 23, 1pm at the Grail Movement Nigeria, 3 Ajuwon Road, Iju Hills, Lagos.
Tribute below written by Mudiare Onobrakpeya, president of the Bruce Onobrakpeya Foundation, BOF, on occasion of Odimayo’s 75th birthday celebration in December 2024.
Prince Odimayo is a man of uncommon courage, foresight, and conviction. At a time when few saw art as a viable enterprise, he invested his resources, intellect, and reputation in preserving and promoting the creative genius of Nigerian artists. Through his efforts, countless artists found visibility, collectors found confidence, and the public found a deeper appreciation for the richness of our cultural heritage.
THERE are artists who create great works, and there are cultural visionaries who create the environment in which great works can flourish. Prince Olasehinde Odimayo belongs firmly to the latter category.
For over four decades, he has stood as one of the pillars of the Nigerian art ecosystem, championing artists, nurturing collectors, building institutions, and helping to shape the modern Nigerian art market through his pioneering work at Treasure House Fine Arts. His contribution extends far beyond the walls of a gallery; it is etched into the history of contemporary Nigerian art itself.
Prince Odimayo is a man of uncommon courage, foresight, and conviction. At a time when few saw art as a viable enterprise, he invested his resources, intellect, and reputation in preserving and promoting the creative genius of Nigerian artists. Through his efforts, countless artists found visibility, collectors found confidence, and the public found a deeper appreciation for the richness of our cultural heritage.
Beyond his achievements as a gallerist and curator, I have always admired his generosity of spirit. He has been a mentor, a guide, and a source of wisdom to many within the art community. His life reminds us that true leadership is not measured by what one accumulates, but by the opportunities one creates for others.
Like the careful custodian of a priceless treasure, Prince Odimayo has devoted his life to safeguarding the legacy of African creativity while opening new pathways for future generations. His journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of vision, perseverance, and service.
As we celebrate him, we honour not merely a successful art dealer or gallery proprietor, but a nation-builder whose work has enriched the cultural soul of Nigeria. His legacy will endure in the artists he championed, the institutions he strengthened, and the generations he inspired.
Prince Olasehinde Odimayo is, indeed, one of the great custodians of Nigerian art.
May his wisdom continue to guide us, and may his remarkable legacy inspire those who follow in his footsteps.
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Nigeria is a huge country where you find artistic expressions and manifestations everywhere you go, so given a stable and growing economy the future will be bright for artists of ages
Further Reading:
- https://www.thecable.ng/olaseinde-odimayo-75-celebrating-a-rich-legacy-of-art-and-inspiration/
- https://en.paperblog.com/conversation-with-sehinde-odimayo-2811931/
