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Chief Editor, The Crimson Creative Group

Designer · Griot · Curator · Publisher

Creator of The unBROKEN Thread

Created and Edited The Benin Red Book

orature.africa

The Archive
The Benin Red Book
The UnBROKEN Thread
8000 years of Art in Nigeria

History is not your past. History is your living identity.

The unBROKEN Thread — 8,000 Years in one thread, and still UnBROKEN...

Oriiz: Griot, Designer, Curator, and Publisher

Oriiz is a griot, designer, curator, and publisher dedicated to bridging African heritage, fine living, and contemporary storytelling. His global perspective, honed by over three decades of experience in design, publishing, and culture curation across the UK, Canada, and Nigeria, is a testament to the breadth and depth of his knowledge. He has established himself as a distinctive voice at the intersection of art, history, and identity. Through his work, Oriiz positions art and orature as living archives of identity, memory, and belonging. Read more...

Projects & Publications

Explore Project

The Benin Red Book #3

*A Window into the Soul of a People*

At a glance:

  • Landmark multi-volume documentation project (in progress).
  • Built on a landmark partnership with NCMM, establishing the framework for a growing circle of collaborators.
  • Traces creativity from the Dufuna Canoe — dating back some 8,000 years (c. 6000 BC) to today.
  • Builds on The Benin Red Book and expands to national scope.

Significance: Positioned to “restore Nigeria’s unbroken cultural thread and build the foundation of a true visual arts economy.”

Explore Project

The Benin Red Book #2

At a glance:

  • Landmark project uniting ecology, climate change, heritage, and art.
  • Main Feature: Exhibition of Paintings by Dr Ed DeBebs
  • Featured photographs of the Niger Delta mangroves by Oriiz U. Onuwaje.
  • Supported by three documentaries.
  • Extended through the MangrovePlus YouTube Channel for global engagement.

Impact: Praised for “illuminating how heritage and ecology intertwine in African narratives.”

Explore Project

The Benin Red Book

*The Benin Monarchy: An Anthology of Benin History* The project was supervised by the eminent historian Professor Obaro Ikime, who also authored the Preface.

At a glance:

  • Created and edited by Oriiz U. Onuwaje
  • Preface by Prof. Obaro Ikime.
  • 18 chapters + 4 sub-chapters, 500+ pages, richly illustrated.
  • Traces the monarchy from Oba Oranmiyan to Oba Ewuare II.
  • Celebrates Benin Royal Art, Queen Mothers, and resilience through centuries.

Press Praise: “One-of-a-kind Red Book chronicles the Benin Empire in proper perspective.” — Newsweek.

Media & Press