Her Royal Highness, Crown Princess Victoria Ingrid Alice Désirée of Sweden and Duchess of Västergötland, on Wednesday, paid an official visit to the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Lagos as part of her tour of the state.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, received the Swedish royal alongside the Permanent Secretary, Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, and other senior officials of the ministry. The visit to the cultural facility formed part of the princess’s engagements to explore and appreciate the rich heritage and traditions of the Yoruba people.
A statement posted by the Lagos State Government on its official X handle on Thursday, April 10, confirmed the visit and highlighted its cultural significance.
The statement read in part: “The Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, alongside the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, and Directors of the Ministry, warmly received Her Royal Highness, Crown Princess Victoria Ingrid Alice Désirée of Sweden and Duchess of Västergötland, during her official visit to the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History on Wednesday.
“The visit was part of the Crown Princess’s ongoing visit to Lagos, aimed at deepening her experience of the state’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant hospitality sector. The John Randle Centre, a flagship cultural and historical facility in Lagos, provided an opportunity for Her Royal Highness to explore the depth and diversity of Yoruba traditions, arts, and history.”
Before her tour of the John Randle Centre, the Crown Princess visited the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the Lagos House in Marina. The Lagos State Government used the occasion to express gratitude for her commitment to understanding the cultural landscape of the state.
The statement added: “Earlier, the Crown Princess had paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the Lagos House, Marina, where she was received with honour and appreciation for her interest in Lagos and its cultural landscape.”
