Saturdays in Lagos are perfect for unwinding and exploring the city. Our team recently visited the home of Eyitope Owolabi, an Investment Banker, contemporary African art collector, and philanthropist. He shared insights on his reasons for giving back to society, his experiences of fatherhood, his passion for art collecting, and how his work serves life's purpose.
OBIDA: What are your fondest memories of growing up in Lagos?
Eyitope: My childhood years were spent on the mainland. I first moved to the island in my mid teens. One of my fondest memories from childhood is our visits to the Bar Beach, I vividly remember those trips to the beach. We would walk across from parking on Ahmadu Bello Way to the beachfront, which used to be long stretch. The beach was always lively, a lot of music, families in different clusters under beach umbrellas, people horse riding, building sandcastles and playing games. Looking at that part of town now, especially living close to it and watching the transformation over the years, I can’t help but wonder where all that Lagos has gone, the accessible public beaches and just easy life.
OBIDA: What does it mean to be a Lagosian?
Eyitope: Being a Lagosian to me like being a part of a child’s life and watching the developments, good and bad. You cannot really say you know a child without sharing anecdotes or connected experiences, especially times of reconnection. There has to be enough authentic history. It's being able to point to something constant like a landmark or places you have seen change over time and feel a sense of nostalgia. I don’t think you can say you're a true Lagosian if you don’t have such connections to the city, especially across different seasons of your life interacting with its different parts. For instance, some days as I drive along Ozumba, Akin Adesola on the Island or somewhere in Ikeja, I can tell you stories of establishments that have come and gone or have reinvented themselves , like where we have The Smiths now, there used to be a Mr. Biggs with a massive car park that was great hangout spot or the Waterparks on Toyin street in Ikeja, that was a thing.
Being a Lagosian is a lifestyle, its social.
OBIDA: How do you unwind in a city like Lagos?
Eyitope: I find solace in spending time by myself, particularly in art galleries. I love visiting galleries on weekends because it allows me to engage with art without the obligation to converse with anyone. Apart from art, I also play football and try to play a squash game once or twice a week. I do a lot of reading not necessarily books, but I might read about 15 articles in a day to keep up with the news and stay informed.
OBIDA: You are an art collector; how did you get into collecting art?
Eyitope: I got into collecting art after visiting a gallery where some artists showcased their works from completed residency programs. I was captivated by the stories behind the artworks, the creative process, and the mentorship the artists received. I thought, "This is something I would like to support."
For me, the process of collecting art contrasts with finance. In finance, I can analyze numbers, run models, and predict value with high level of accuracy. But with art, it's more instinctive. Collecting art allows me to extend myself into other areas and express different facets of my personality.
OBIDA: What is your favorite piece in your collection?
Eyitope: My favorite piece would be my Reuben Ugbine sculpture - Metamorphosis. It's such a unique piece. It strikes you as ugly and, at the same time, yet attractive because of its angular shape. That contrast is what draws me to it daily – that duality, and also the fact that the sculptor is no longer with us; we tend to cherish things more when people have transitioned.
OBIDA: What guides your collection, and what would you advise people to collect?
Eyitope: I work in a conservative and process-oriented environment, and I always need an outlet for creativity, something else that brings that spark, and with art I get to move with my instincts. Initially, I got caught up in the trend of collecting works by specific well-known artists; now I have moved past that. I currently collect what looks good to me and evokes an emotion.
I still remember some of the works I passed up in the past because they didn't have a famous name attached, and it pains me when I think back to it. Those pieces stayed with me because they resonated with me, and I should have trusted my instincts. If you're only collecting for the name, it loses that personal connection and significance. I advise people to collect what they love.
OBIDA: What makes a good gallerist and collector relationship?
Eyitope: The essence and backstory of the gallerist are important. Why did they go into the business? Two, their eye for art, different gallerists can show the same artist but be able to select different works that connects with the audience. How do they curate a show to evoke emotions from an exhibition? That personal touch is crucial; they are the tastemakers who bring the magic together.
It’s more genuine when the gallerist truly likes what they're presenting. My favorite gallerist is sitting in front of me [sic: Obida Obioha]. I think O'DA Art curates differently because they are deeply connected to the art. Your exhibitions tell a story and show that you care about the works. We didn't start with a gallery relationship; it evolved from a mutual love for art. Plus, you never put me under any pressure, which I appreciate.
OBIDA: How do you balance your work and Faith, what’s your approach to excelling at both?
Eyitope: I think work is life; life without work seems meaningless. Work should bring a sense of purpose and we must find meaning in the work that we do but with a balance. There is a book called “The Common Rule” by Justin Whitney Earley that I recently read which helps articulate this much better. I recommended it for anyone that is currently jaded. For me, integrating faith into my work means ensuring that what I do aligns with my values and being diligent. I work in financial services and have come to derive a sense of purpose in it given the role the banking industry plays in activating economic activities for shared prosperity. Ultimately, it is about understanding that purpose is inherently collective. Every individual purpose is connected to a larger one. We are all a part of a living network. This harmony between faith and work brings peace and meaning to my life in such a way that allows me to be present in other areas of my life.
OBIDA: How has fatherhood impacted your life, and what values do you hope to instill in your children?
Eyitope: Fatherhood profoundly changed my perspective of life. It has made me understand in practical terms what it means to be responsible for another person other than myself. You get this realization as well in marriage, but fatherhood unlocks a new level. When you have a child, you have to put yourself last because of the child needs. I got married at a young age and didn’t have many friends to talk to about these experiences. Mostly found myself learning on the job, going through it and just pulling through as a unit. That's where my faith also helped me. Leaning on God. I’ve learned that even if you do everything right, your child will still have to make their own choices as they come of age. Parenting is a continuous gamble; you do your best, hope for the best and leave the rest to God. I hope to instill values of integrity and generosity in my sons. I want them to understand the principle of sowing and reaping, and that everything we have is a form of stewardship. We are accountable to God for every resource in our hands and our every action.
OBIDA: What impact do you hope to make by giving back to society?
Eyitope: To be so rich in good deeds that I can’t keep track is the goal for me. There’s nothing more fulfilling than that. I run a private foundation that has allowed me to be very intentional about giving. I engage in a lot of volunteering and strive to make myself available to those in need. Each year, I allocate a portion of my resources to various causes that resonate with my values. I want my legacy to be defined by the influence that I have had on people's lives. I want others to be able to speak about how I contributed positively to their lives and communities.
OBIDA: Define your style?
Eyitope: Working in banking, my daily attire is very rigid, so I try to add some flair to show intentionality. . Off-duty, I try to be as expressive as possible to balance out the uniformity during the week. I aim for an effortlessly chic look with quirky details. I wear a white shirt every day or most days of the week, so I always try to first avoid white on weekends.
OBIDA: What aspects of OBIDA resonate most with you?
Eyitope: Obida's uniqueness and originality stand out to me. The way the brand makes something as traditional as Adire fashionable is impressive. This shirt I'm wearing now showcases this well, with its attention to detail, fabric quality, threading, and tailored hem. These elements make it special and unique, which is why I like the brand.
OBIDA: Thank you, this was very interesting.
