Sangodare Gbadegesin Ajala - a True Yorùbá Legend

Sangodare was a practicing traditional Ṣàngó (god of thunder) high priest and herbalist.
His remarkable art communicates the rich complexity of Yorùbá wisdom, cosmology and ritual as experienced through his own spiritual practice. 

Sangodare won the prestigious National Arts Award for Nigeria’s 50th Anniversary of Independence in 2010 with his batik 'The Fire of Nigeria Burns Strongly'.

His largest batik 'Orò ṣíṣe' was unveiled at Oxford University  in 2014 by Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka.

Newspaper article and TV/C News report

Born into a long line of Ṣàngó (god of thunder) priests, Sangodare’s father died when he was very young.
Susanne Wenger not only safeguarded his traditional education but also encouraged the development of his artistic talents.

Susanne Wenger taught Ṣàngó 'batik-painting'.
With his vast knowledge of plants he produced natural colours which he would then use in this paintings. 
He also invented unusual methods to create different shades, such as rusting iron with lemon juice to produce a dark brow hue.

Sangodare's other vocation was as a knowledgeable herbalist, versed in the many different properties of indigenous herbs, shrubs, plants and trees.
His natural medicines were well sought after and he was known in Òṣogbo for both his skills and generosity.

Closer to home, he was involved in the preservation of Yorùbá traditions, working closely together with the National Commission of Museums and Monuments as well as the Òṣogbo Heritage Council and other stakeholders. Sangodare was a highly valued trustee of the AOT/F.

From 2006 Sango dedicated himself to leading the art restoration in the groves with funds raised by the AOT/F.
He mentored young artists and artisans. Without Sangodare’s perseverance, leadership and artistic and spiritual guidance, there would be very little left of these monumental works of art.

After a few years of ill health, Sangodare died in October 2021, aged just 73.

His family and traditionalists from far and wide as well as the people of Òṣogbo took to the streets to mourn the loss of their great leader.

Ṣangodare always carried out his duties - be it as a senior priest of the òrìṣà, leader of the restoration team, adopted son of Susanne Wenger or indeed any other of his many roles - with the utmost dignity and integrity.
He will be greatly missed.