Uzo Njoku, a US-based Nigerians artist accused of plagiarism and cultural appropriation, has failed to honor an invite by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to explain herself.

Njoku, known on X as @uzoart, was invited by the government following a petition filed against her by a socio-political group, Yorùbá Youths Council (YYC), over an exhibition she scheduled for November.

She had been accused of plagiarising Adire fabric and also misappropriating Yoruba culture and heritage for her event without giving credit.

In an update on social media, YYC said, "The petitioner (YYC) and the petitioned (@uzoart) were both invited to appear today before a panel set up by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

"YYC arrived early and have left but Miss Uzo and her team were absent.

"A new date has been set for the hearing which is very closeby again.

"I'm only putting this out here for record purpose.

"PS: This is the same panel hearing our team member was threatened by IPOB over. I am glad to inform that one of those who threatened that member have been duly arrested by the DSS."

ASA