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CBCIU/PARTNERS HOST INTERNATIONAL COLLOQUIUM IN HONOUR OF PRINCE (DR.) OYIN ADEJOBI

On Wednesday, 18 December, 2024, the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU), in partnership with the Department of Theatre Arts, Osun State University, Osogbo and Redeemer’s University, Ede, organised an International Colloquium to celebrate the life, legacy, and profound influence of the iconic theatre arts practitioner, Prince (Dr.) Oyin Adejobi. The event honoured a man whose artistic genius sparked cultural awareness and transformed the landscape of Yoruba theatre in Nigeria.

In his Welcome Address, Director of the CBCIU, Professor Siyan Oyeweso, highlighted that Oyin Adejobi was more than an actor, a visionary, cultural custodian and a storyteller whose work transcended Nigeria’s borders, leaving a lasting imprint on the global stage.

“Through his celebrated plays such as Orogun Adedigba and Kootu Ashipa, Adejobi brought Yoruba folklore, ethics, and worldview to life, illustrating the complexities of traditional values and the human experience. His seamless blending of entertainment with moral lessons resonated deeply with audiences, ranging from grassroots communities, academic to the elites,” Oyeweso noted.

The Director further emphasized that Adejobi’s works were among the pioneering voices that elevated African theatre, inspiring many to explore the richness of African oral traditions and performance arts.

“His emphasis on communal values, social justice, and personal integrity remains highly relevant in today’s world, where the interplay of tradition and modernity continues to evolve.”

The Chairman of the event, Chief Fakayode Faniyi, the Agbongbon Awo of Osogbo, reflected on the impact of Adejobi’s film, Kootu Ashipa and the resonant song “Olorun maje ki ari ejo, ati ebi, ati are, Olorun maje ki ari ejo.” He also praised Adejobi’s collaboration with similar playwright, Chief Duro Ladipo, in promoting the cultural heritage of Osogbo through their artistic talents.

The Lead Speaker, Professor Gbemisola Adeoti of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, described Adejobi’s work as a form of cultural resistance. He emphasized that the story of Nollywood and African Theatre cannot be fully told without acknowledging the contributions of Prince Oyin Adejobi. Professor Adeoti elaborated on the significant role Adejobi’s songs and lyrics played in enhancing the emotional and cultural depth of his films.

The colloquium also featured five academic lectures by distinguished scholars, including Dr. Azeez Akinwumi Sesan, Head of the Department of Theatre Arts, Osun State University, Osogbo; Dr. Yinka Olarinmoye of Lagos State University, Ojo; Dr. Rantinmi Julius Adeoye, Head of the Department of Theatre Arts, Redeemer’s University, Ede; Mr. Fatai Adekunle, former Curator of National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Osogbo; and Dr. Yemi Atanda of the Department of Theatre Arts, Osun State University, Osogbo.

Goodwill messages were delivered by members of the late Prince Oyin Adejobi’s family, including Dr. Adeleke, Librarian of Redeemer’s University, Ede; Barrister Matthew Omolade of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede; and Dr. Christopher Oyewo of the Department of Theatre Arts, Osun State University, Osogbo.

The colloquium was graced by prominent figures such as Mrs. Yemisi Adejobi, wife of late Prince Oyin Adejobi; Princess Adejoke Oyin-Adejobi, his daughter; Mr. Bola Oyin-Adejob, his son; Aramide Ogunrinde, his maternal grandchild; Mrs. Toyosi Adesanya; Professor Ahmed Yerima, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Ede; Chief Ayanda Fadara Clarke; and Mrs. Shola Duro-Ladipo. Also present were Hon. (Comrade) Abodunrin, Education Secretary of Osogbo Local Education Authority; Mr. M.A.O. Aluko, Local Inspector of Education; staff members of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Osun State; members of the New Sacred Art of Osogbo founded by the late Susanne Wenger; Mr. Samuel Adodo of the Nigerian Art Gallery; and Stephen Oni, among others.

The event was also attended virtually, including notable figures such as Professor Duro Oni, Professor Gbenga Fasiku, Professor Remi Ajibewa, Yinka Diamond, Omotunde Koleoso, and Afolorunso Dairo, among others. Students from the Department of Theatre Arts, Redeemer’s University, Ede and Osun State University, Osogbo, as well as students from Secondary schools in Osogbo such as Moslem Grammar School, AUD School, CAC Isale-Ijebu and Salvation Army School, were also in attendance

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