Dr. Morufu B. Omigbule, a distinguished scholar from the Department of English at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has recently been granted a prestigious fellowship by Ghent University in Belgium. This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone not only for Dr. Omigbule but also for the ongoing collaboration between Ghent University Belgium, and Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife.

Ghent University Belgium, renowned for its illustrious history dating back to its foundation by King William in 1816, stands as a beacon of academic excellence, boasting a vast student body of between 45,000 to 50,000 individuals enrolled in a myriad of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Dr. Omigbule’s fellowship award serves as a catalyst for the anticipated partnership between Ghent University and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, as evidenced by the memorandum of understanding currently underway to foster international academic, cultural, and scientific exchange between the two institutions.

A specialist in African folklore, with a particular focus on Yoruba rituals and mythology, Dr. Omigbule’s research endeavors delve into what he terms “Renaissance Yoruba Rituals”. During his tenure in Belgium, he will deliver a captivating lecture shedding light on the evolution of indigenous Yoruba rituals and their contemporary implications for social dynamics. His discourse will explore themes ranging from ethno-nationalism, identity politics, and diaspora relations to cultural economy and ethnic nostalgia, providing invaluable insights into the rich tapestry of Yoruba cultural heritage.

Notably, Dr. Omigbule’s scholarly contributions extend beyond academia, as evidenced by his esteemed affiliations as an African Humanities Fellow and a fellow of the Ife Institute of Advanced Studies. Furthermore, his groundbreaking work, including the acclaimed publication Rituals of Ile-Ife, Nigeria: Narratives and Performances of Archetypes, underscores his profound impact on the discourse surrounding African cultural traditions.

As Dr. Omigbule embarks on this transformative journey to Ghent University, his unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering cross-cultural dialogue serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of scholarly excellence nurtured at Obafemi Awolowo University.