The Emir in Council

Along with Aina Onabolu and Ben Enwonwu, Akinola Lasekan was one of the pivotal instruments in the evolution of Modern Nigerian art. Born into the Oladetimi family in Owo, Ondo State in 1916, he had little access to formal education and this difficulty encouraged him to form a training school of his own where he taught other young aspiring artists like himself. As a citizen of his times, he was affected by the British colonial rule ongoing at the time and lent his voice through the "West African Pilot" a newspaper publication where he published satirical illustrations depicting the ills of the colonial administration.

His paintings carry on this cartoon element which he explored while working for the West African Pilot. The Emir in Council depicts the traditional setup when an emir attends to his council. The figures all sit around the emir while he stands and speaks to them with a stick in hand.