Chief Nike Okundaye – Òṣogbo’s Global Ambassador

Painter, àdìrẹ textile-batik artist, trainer-teacher of the arts, gallerist and promoter of women, Nike advocates for Òṣogbo as a unique art and cultural destination on the global stage and within Nigeria.

At the age of only 16, Nike moves from north-central Nigeria to Òṣogbo. Learned from her grandmother, she develops her reputation in dyeing and making àdìrẹ textiles, a unique form of Yorùbá pattern making in deep blue dye from the local indigo plant.

Òṣogbo is known as Ilé Aró, the home of indigo dyeing. The shrine of Ìyá Mọòpó with its dye pots at her feet symbolises the importance of textile art in Òṣogbo.

Nike’s talent expanded to painting, batik and beadwork as a member of the Òṣogbo School of Art.
Separate from Wenger’s New Sacred Art, Georgina and Ulli Beier (Susanne’s former husband) mentored this new Movement. It flourished from the 1960s, gaining international recognition.

Nike has trained many young people in her workshops. She revived and popularised traditional textile making in Nigeria and globally. 

Nike runs the largest private gallery in Africa in Lagos, exhibiting artists’ work in Nigeria and around the globe.

Recognized in Nigeria and globally, Nike has earned the title of The Agbasaga Yeye Aladirearo of Osun, honorary doctorates and countless international awards of excellence.

Nike frequently returns to Òṣogbo – often for important occasions, such as this one with the Atáọ́ja of Òṣogbo.
She stays in her former home, now a Guest House open to all visitors.
Guests can visit her àdìrẹ workshop and gallery as well as the many other artists of the area.