Welcome to Ada Dike's Blog: Day Ijegba Forest came alive for Soyinka’s 81st birthday

Cast of Kongi's Harvest performing at the event

BY ADA DIKE

July 13 of every year is a special day in the history of Egba land Nigeria as a whole. It was the day the great poet, playwright, social activist and the first African to be honoured Nobel Prize in Literature, Professor Wole Soyinka, was born.

The Nobel Laureate’s hometown, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria was agog last week when people from all walks of life converged from July 12, to 15 to celebrate his 81th birthday.

The celebrant was unavoidably absent, but ably represented by his children, other family members and friends including Makin Soyinka.

In his goodwill message, Prof Soyinka welcomed guests and apologized for his absence which he described as one of those obligations that could not be deflected.

The July 13 “Class of 81”

To the July 13 “Class of 81”, the 81 Essay Finalists (students from different parts of the country that participated in competition in honour of his birthday), he thanked them and showed gratitude to the students from the Northern part of Nigeira, who despite the menace of the terrorists group, Boko Haram, still managed to attend the programme.

In his words: “I do not have to tell you that never was a nation more in need of reflection and selfless re-dedication than at this moment. You, the youth of our northern communities have borne much, sacrificed much, over and beyond what should be expected at your age. Alas, it is not yet over! Your presence here testifies to your courage and resilience, and the tenacity of your parents.

“Whether we choose to admit it or not, we are assailed by one of the most ruthless enemies of humanity that the nation has ever known. It must be an extremely lucky individual among you from several parts of the North who has not lost a family member, a friend, a mentor, or even acquaintance to the forces of death and destruction known as Boko Haram,” he said.

“My message to you all is therefore straightforward: We must not despair, and we must never submit. We must never forget their victims who must now be counted in thousands. We must dedicate ourselves to the recovery of the missing, the rehabilitation of the displaced, and the healing of the wounded and traumatized. No matter what part of the nation we primarily belong, irrespective of whatever religion we espouse, and no matter where we find ourselves in these troubled times, we must link arms and stand against the forces of irredeemable evil, and be guided by pronouncements that promote our common humanity in defiance of a murderous minority.”

It will be recalled that Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange began in 2010 and its topics include: 2010 – Politics of Arts and Culture in Global Diplomacy; 2011 – I Love My Country; 2012 – The Mind of a Patriot; 2013 – Memoirs for our Future; 2014 – Education: Path to Freedom and the Future; and Freedom & Justice: Essential Conditions for Humanity for 2015.

The finalists, according the programme organizers, are usually selected to tally with the age number of the celebrant for that particular year; for instance, at the debut of the project in 2010, when Professor Soyinka was 76, there were 76 finalists, while in 2014 when he was 80, there were 80 finalists. “These finalists are usually brought to a Reality TV-kind of setting on July 13 – the actual date of Soyinka’s birth -- where they then do the final writing competition. A body of juror would then assess the entries and award the top five. The Prize co-sponsored by the government of Ogun State and ZMirage Multimedia Company are usually handed to the winner at an elaborate ceremony hosted by the Executive Governor of Ogun State on July 14 – being the day after the birthday event. After announcement of winners/the finalists are then hosted by Professor Soyinka at his Ijegba Forest Residence.

This year’s event, Newswatch Times gathered, featured 81 finalists selected from over 250 entries received from all over the country. The finalists wrote the final essay on July 13 at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, and were rewarded on July 14 by the Ogun State Governor.

“The gathering of the students is also designed to facilitate inter ethnic interaction among Nigerian youths – as they come from all parts of the country. An added value is the Mentoring session that they experience every year with the First lady of Ogun State, Mrs Olufunsho Amosun. In past five years, she has mentored over 5000 students, including in London two years ago. The finalists this year are extra lucky in the sense that they also experienced Storytelling workshop and mentoring from the two Guest Storyteller artistes – Theodora Ulerie (Anty Thea) from Trinidad & Tobago and Noma Sodipo (Antie Noma) from Nigeria.

Inside Ijegba Forest Theatre

Guests were ushered to a mini theatre located inside Ijegba Forest, where Soyinka resides, on Tuesday, July 14. They were treated with good music and sumptuous meals and drinks before the show kicked fully off.

Renowned poets, Efe Paul Azino and Samson Apata set the ball rolling by opening the floor with interesting poetry. This was followed by an outstanding performance by the Members of Ogun State Council of Arts and Culture who welcomed and entertained guests with traditional music.

Play: Kongi’s Harvest

The melting point was when Crown Troupe of Africa performed on stage, Kongi's Harvest, a play written by Wole Soyinka.

Directed by Segun Adefila who also acted as President Kongi, the play though written in 1965, mirrors the oppressive or unjust governance in the land.

There is chaos in the land and people are grumbling over unfavourable governance. The despot and dictator, President Kongi, after dethroning and incarcerating Oba Danlola (Art Osagie Okedigun) requests he gives him the sacred yam during new yam festival which shows he has relinquished his stool.

Daodu (Toyin Buraimah), who happens to be Danlola's nephew and heir, tries his best to save his uncle’s life and at the same time meet Kongi’s request. He works hand in hand with his lover, Segi (Aishat Onitiri), Kongi’s ex lover and club owner to bring Kongi to a social gathering where he will be assassinated. But at the long run, Segi’s father is assassinated.

The storyline in Soyinka’s Kongi Harvest is what is still happening in many African countries. I had mixed feelings watching the group that wore attires depicting people from the six geo-political zones in Nigeria who were discussing the way forward in Ismaland. During their deliberations, many of them were fighting for their selfish interests, thereby arguing without reaching a compromise. This scenario is happening in many climes including Nigeria. Africa and indeed the world will be a better place if we must work in unity for the good of one another.

The cast of the play treated the audience with brilliant performance. My favourite performers are the Secretary performed by Princess Joy Akrah, Segi (Aishat Onitiri), Oba Danlola (Art Osagie Okedigun) and Superintendent/Dende (Animasaun Samuel). Akrah really thrilled the crowd with her performance and many people wondered how she was able to recollect the lines and dolled them out perfectly.

I laughed till tears dropped from my eyes while watching Animasaun behaved like a moron. It was fun and I felt the play would never end. The event ended around 10.30 pm.

Organisers

The 2015 WSICE was packaged by a team led by Teju Wasee Kareem, the Executive Producer; Prof Segun Ojewuyi, co-Executive Producer, WSICE and Jahman Anikulapo, Consultant, Project WSICE, among others.

Guests

Notable personalities that graced Soyinka’s 81^st birthday at the Ijegba Forest theatre among others include: Representative of Ogun State governor, Mrs. Adekunle; Dean of Arts, University of Ibadan, Prof Remi Raji; the Artistic Director of National Troupe of Nigeria, Akin Adejuwon; the mask one and great musician, Lagbaja; retired Nigerian footballer Segun Odegbami; Former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Jonathan, Dr. Reuben Abati; prolific filmmaker, storyteller,producer, director, photographer and cinematographer, Tunde Kelani; documentary filmmaker, Screenwriter, cinematographer, director, Femi Odugbemi; former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and former official of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Ropo Ewenla, and many others.