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@ K.valor01
2025-05-29 22:01:29Kehinde and Taiwo Ogundipe, known as the Rex Twins, made significant strides in the Nigerian art scene, particularly in Lagos during the 1970s and 1980s. Their collaborative works, often signed jointly, adorned various parts of Lagos, including Ikate, Itire, Ijesha, and Ojuelegba. Their art, characterized by vibrant street illustrations, not only showcased their talent but also their unity as twins, they shared a single wife, Patricia adewuyi and together, they had a son named Noah.
In December 1976, The Rex twins meet Patricia at the when she was just 24 years old at the at a palm wine bar in ijesha tedo, Lagos. Their Relationship quickly develop to a unique union where both brother married Patricia choosing to live together as one family.
There unique relationship was first reported by drum magazine in 1978, highlighting their decision to marry one woman as a testament of there inseparable
Th twins furthermore explained that they want to prove to the world and to Nigerians that as one man can marry more than one wives, that twins can also justify their oneness by owning things in common. God made us to be one in what ever we do. This point of view emphasized more on their beliefs in the deep bond they share and their desire to live in complete unity
The Rex Twins, Kehinde and Taiwo Ogundipe, were visual artists based in Lagos, Nigeria. They were known for working together on paintings, sign writing, and graphic art.
Occupations of the Rex Twins
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Sign Writers – They specialized in creating hand-painted signboards, which were a popular form of advertising in Nigeria during the 1970s and 1980s.
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Muralists – They painted large murals on buildings and public spaces.
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Portrait Artists – They offered portraiture services, painting realistic images of individuals or families.
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Commercial Artists – Their art included illustrations for businesses, advertisements, and posters.
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Collaborative Painters – They worked as a team, reinforcing their philosophy of doing everything together.
Their shared artistic identity made them locally famous not just because of their talent, but also due to their deep bond as twins who lived and worked as one unit, even extending to their personal lives, including marriage.
Their story is often highlighted as an example of how art, identity, and unconventional relationships can intersect in culturally significant ways.
The story of the Rex Twins and Patricia teaches several powerful and thought-provoking lessons, culturally, philosophically, and socially. Here's a breakdown of what their act teaches:
- Unity and Oneness
The Rex Twins believed deeply in the idea that being twins went beyond biology, it meant sharing everything, including work, life, and even love. Their act teaches about total unity, and how some people can live in deep cooperation and harmony, even in ways that challenge norms.
- Redefining Love and Marriage
Their decision to marry one wife together challenges the traditional structure of romantic relationships and marriage. It opens up discussion about the flexibility of love, showing that love doesn’t always fit into strict cultural boxes.
It questions double standards—why is polygamy (one man, many wives) widely accepted in some cultures, but polyandry (one woman, two husbands) is taboo?
- Boldness and Nonconformity
Their lives were a form of rebellion against social expectations. They were unapologetically themselves, choosing to live in a way that made sense to them, even though society might have criticized or mocked them.
This teaches courage—the courage to live your truth, even if the world doesn’t understand it.
- The Complexity of Human Relationships
Their story reminds us that human relationships are not always simple.
It teaches us to withhold judgment, be curious rather than critical, and understand that every relationship has its own logic and depth.
- Living a Life of Purpose and Identity
They used both their art and their relationship as a statement of identity.
It teaches us to be intentional: about how we love, how we live, and what we create.
Finally, The Rex Twins and Patricia didn’t just share a relationship, they made a statement. Their story is less about whether their choices were “right” or “wrong,” and more about what it means to live with conviction, unity, and authenticity.
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