The Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) in conjunction with friends and family members gathered on Thursday, February 26, 2026, to celebrate the living footprints of the Amazon of Nigerian Art, Prof. Funke Chris Ifeta, as she retired from active service.
The event featured a book presentation, art exhibition, and conferment of the chieftaincy title of “Fonapitan of Egbaland” on the celebrant by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland, in recognition of her immense contributions to the progress and development of Egbaland.
Prof. Chris Funke Ifeta (Nee Renner), born in Kaduna and of Ogun State origin, is a renowned scholar, sculptor, art historian, and educator. She holds a First Class B.A. (Fine Arts: Sculpture) from Ahmadu Bello University, an M.A. and Ph.D. in African Art History from the University of Ibadan, and she rose through the ranks to become a professor of Creative Arts at Tai Solarin University of Education.
Her illustrious career spans over four decades of teaching, mentorship, and leadership across institutions including where she served as the first female head of department; the College of Education, Benin; The Polytechnic, Ibadan; and Tai Solarin University of Education, where she also served as Director of Human Resource Development Centre, and Coordinator of Postgraduate Programmes.
Professor Ifeta is a Fellow of the Society of Nigerian Artists, the first and only female National President of the SNA, and recipient of numerous honours including Federal Government Scholarship, the International Visitors Leadership Programme Award (USIS), and the Woman of the World Award (Maryland, USA).
Her artistic legacy includes monumental works such as the 9ft Statue of the ‘Town crier’ and 14ft ‘Benin Chief’ Statue in Benin; the 18ft Statue of Lisabi, the 11ft Statue of Sodeke in Abeokuta and above life size Bronze Statue of ‘Tai Solarin’, the bronze of eminent Nigerians, stained glass masterpieces in Ibadan churches, and sculpture permanently displayed at the National Gallery, Lagos. She has curated exhibitions, advanced museum traditions, and contributed to the establishment of the Egba Museum, Ake Palace.
Beyond academics and art, Professor Ifeta has rendered invaluable service to Ogun State and Nigeria through cultural preservation, curriculum reform, and empowerment of women and youths. Her publications, spanning books, journals, and conference proceedings, have enriched knowledge in art, design, education, and development.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Alake of Egbaland noted that there are uncompromising criteria which the authorities examine before an honour is conferred on sons and daughters of the land.
Alake added that a person to be honoured in Egbaland must be of good report, and must be of good standing in the society and be worthy of emulation.
“Such a person must have contributed immensely to the development of his environment. He or she must also be a good ambassador of his people, anywhere he finds himself.
“Once a person is honoured with a chieftaincy title, it becomes mandatory for him or her to assist the Alake in his quest for progress and peace in his domain.
“As a chief of Egbaland, it becomes a duty to contribute one’s own quota to the economic, social, political, and physical development of Egbaland in all ramifications,” he said.
The occasion featured an exhibition of some of her Digital art works and some art works of some artists that were her students through time.
The event also featured a keynote lecture on the theme “Funke Chris Ifeta: Living Footprints of the Amazon of Nigerian Art”, delivered by Prof. Iyabo Khadijat Tijani, cultural group display, recognitions, and other activities.
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