Rufus Ogundele (1946–1996, Oshogbo) combined the European artistic techniques with the teachings of traditional Yoruba culture.

His subject matter attests to his strong beliefs, which are rooted in Yoruba culture and life. Although raised as a Christian in the Anglican Christ Mission Society, he is a follower of the Yoruba god of iron Ogun.

The dominant presence of color in Ogundele’s work appears to underscore the power of Ogun as a factor in the artist’s life.

In 1968 he moved to Ife, Nigeria, where he assisted Solomon Wangboje in the Ori Olokun Centre and then became co-founder of the Ogun Timehin Studios. In 1983 he was artistinresidence at the Iwalewa-Haus in Bayreuth, Germany. He trained other artists at his studios.