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| Edited image by Okeoghene Efeludu |
Muhammed Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay in 1942 in
Louisville, Kentucky died on Friday, June 3. His family spokesman, Bob Gunnell
confirmed to the press that he died as a result of complications from Parkinson
– a battle that has been on for three decades. While the world mourns a great
boxer and rights activist, Nigerians mourn a man who was dear to them. His
visit in 1964 would be treasured. And though the places he stood and made
speeches did not have wreaths, a young Nigerian artist gave a fine twist to the
tributes of the late legend. The historic photo of Ali boasting over a knocked
out Liston was edited. Two dancing Eyo – a Yoruba masquerade primarily played
as parts of rites of passage of a king or prominent chief and the ushering of a
new one was placed on his right and left sides in the boxing ring, probably depicting
that his greatness was divine, assisted by the gods –or that his opponent was
due to transcend into a metaphysical realm.
Okeoghene Efeludu, the wonder artist who is from Warri,
Delta State, lives in Lagos, Nigeria where he works.
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