Story of Our Formation
Story of Our
Formation
The Foundation was created as a vehicle, to support and expand the impactful local efforts of Chief Princess AdeDoyin Talabi Faniyi within the community and beyond. As an elder in the Yoruba Isese tradition, she is a treasured source of knowledge from coast to coast. She has been assisting children and families through selfless involvement with any individual in contact with her for spiritual guidance, social advice, and economic support.
The Founding
Elders
In 2008, Dr Ade Ekundayo, community development veteran and Mama Tendai (Paula) Johnson, an Elder Education expert encouraged and affirmed the future birthing and developments of the Ladekoju Foundation having consistently witnessed the tireless efforts of Chief Adedoyin Talabi Faniyi. All three visionary, treasured elders ultimately became the founding executive elders of the organization, traditionally referred to as the Elders Council. (Council of Elders).
From inception, Ladekoju Arts and Culture Foundation was born out of international relationships. The Ladekoju model is one that many communities in the global south and beyond can draw inspiration. Ladekoju founder, Chief Adedoyin Faniyi Talabi (Nigerian), Dr Ade Ekundayo and managing director, Kwayera Archer (Jamaican American) have worked and planned together for well over a decade. Together they used their skills, communities, and relationship with each other to birth Ladekoju into a reality.
Kwayera's 40-year background in nonprofit community development and as the founder of Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy in Brooklyn NY, she was able to attract the support of highly qualified colleagues in varied fields to serve as Ladekoju's founding board members and volunteer consultants. Therefore, Ladekoju attracted a global community interested in indigenous and decolonial models in philanthropy.
Growing a
Global Movement
Ladekoju secured an initial support in August 2021 for the first phase of the Heritage House restoration as a living museum from the Open Society Foundations, Culture and Art within Global Programs.
In January 2022, the Ladekoju board of directors — comprised of established leaders, including authors, filmmakers, lawyers, journalists, podcasters, scholars, grassroots organizers, devotees, sacred artists, ecologists, and activists from throughout Nigeria, the Caribbean, and the Americas — all assembled around the visionary leadership of Chief Priestess Adedoyin Faniyi Talabi to open the way to increase reservoirs of ancient knowing remaining available for generations to come.
Built on Reverence
It is important to mention that a major part of our transnational collaborative success is due to the way the Ladekoju team members carefully embrace the relevant sacred processes with reverence — regardless of the religious or belief system each holds.