Ẹja díndín

• Original artwork, 2025
• Acrylic on canvas
• 16*20 inches 
• Unframed

Authenticity

• The painting is signed by the artist Okunade Olamilekan

The story of iya Eleja at the legendary Balogun market in Lagos where I grew up is a typical
African motherly role, iya Eleja is popular among we children in the market, every kid is her
friend not because of nothing but because her ẹja díndín is delicious, and she knew her
onion around ẹja díndín business more than anyone else. So, growing up I could
categorical y say that, I spent al my penny at iya Eleja spot, my memory of iya Eleja is a
nostalgic one, anytime I see another person sel ing fried fish, the taste of her fish savors my
mouth again, and every memory of my childhood at Balogun market flashes through my
head. Aside from selling nice fish, Iya Eleja is extremely beautiful and a typical y powerful
African woman that I admire so much.