Nigeria Mourns the Passing of Master Wood Carver Kasali Akangbe Ogun

Tue Jan 20 2026 09:43:32 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Renowned Nigerian wood carver Kasali Akangbe Ogun, a prominent figure in the New Sacred Art Movement, has passed away, leaving behind a rich legacy in wood carving and cultural preservation.

Kasali Akangbe Ogun, an esteemed Nigerian master wood carver and significant contributor to the New Sacred Art Movement, has been laid to rest following his death from a brief illness. Known for his unique style that embodies the Yoruba artistic tradition, Ogun's work played a pivotal role in cultural heritage preservation at the Osun Grove. His contributions will be remembered by communities and art lovers worldwide.

Renowned Nigerian master wood carver Kasali Akangbe Ogun has been buried following his death last week after a brief illness.

He came from a long line of wood carvers from the Yoruba people, and took the tradition from his birthplace of Osogbo in the country's south-west to the global art space.

Akangbe Ogun was famous for his unique artistic style, characterised by lean, elongated faces and dynamic, flowing forms, noted Nigerian art patron Olufemi Akinsanya.

He was one of the leading lights of the New Sacred Art Movement, founded by the late Austrian-Nigerian artist and Yoruba priestess, Susanne Wenger, in the 1960s, to help protect the 75-hectare Osun Forest and its river.

Speaking on behalf of the Adunni Olorisha Trust, Akinsanya said the carver's craftsmanship is visible in the ritual figures, majestic pillars, and beautifully crafted roofs adorning many of the shrines.

Kasali Akangbe Ogun was a vital figure within the New Sacred Art Movement, whose work brought spiritual depth to Yoruba devotional practice. His art stands as a testament to a life committed to faith, community, and visual poetry, exhibition curator Osei Bonsu noted.

Ogun's artistry not only showcased the beauty of Yoruba culture but played a crucial role in the conservation efforts surrounding the Osun Grove, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. His commitment to preserving the forest involved actively confronting illegal activities that threatened its sanctity.

His legacy endures not only through his works, which continue to inspire art lovers globally, but also through his family, as Akangbe Ogun expressed pride in passing the wood carving tradition onto his children.

Reflecting on his life and career, he once stated, I am a dot, just a dot, connecting the past to the present, and the future. His passing is a significant loss to the art community, yet his influence will undoubtedly resonate for years to come.