ANA Honours Femi Osofisan at 80 with Landmark Colloquium on African Theatre

Literary Icon Celebrated for Lifetime Contributions

THE Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has honoured renowned playwright, scholar and former ANA President, Emeritus Professor Femi Osofisan, with a landmark colloquium commemorating his 80th birthday, bringing together leading scholars, writers and theatre practitioners to examine the evolution and future of African drama.

Held at the Wole Soyinka Theatre, University of Ibadan, the event formed a major part of activities celebrating one of Africa’s most influential literary figures. The programme featured scholarly presentations, tributes, the launch of a commemorative anthology, award presentations and artistic performances that highlighted Osofisan’s enduring impact on African literature and theatre.

The gathering attracted prominent academics, literary scholars and cultural stakeholders from across Nigeria and beyond, reflecting Osofisan’s stature as one of the continent’s foremost dramatists and intellectuals.

ANA Pays Tribute to Former President

Speaking as Guest of Honour, ANA President Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi described Osofisan as one of the pillars of the Association whose leadership as its third president strengthened the organisation and inspired generations of writers.

He noted that the celebration recognised not only Osofisan’s literary accomplishments but also his contributions to institutional development within Nigeria’s literary community.

A goodwill message delivered on behalf of Pan African Writers Association (PAWA) Secretary-General, Dr. Wale Okediran, also acknowledged Osofisan’s pioneering role as the first President of PAWA, crediting him with helping shape the continental organisation during its formative years.

Scholars Reflect on African Theatre’s Evolution

Delivering the keynote address titled African Drama and Performance Traditions: The Past, The Present and The Future, Emeritus Professor Olu Obafemi traced the origins of African theatre to indigenous cultural expressions including storytelling, festivals, music, dance and masquerade traditions.

Drawing on Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka’s theatrical philosophy, Obafemi described African theatre as a living continuum connecting ancestors, contemporary society and future generations.

While acknowledging the disruptive effects of colonialism on indigenous performance traditions, he argued that African theatre has continued to evolve through travelling theatre movements, literary drama and contemporary performance practices.

He also praised Osofisan’s dramaturgy for creatively reinterpreting mythology, folklore and history to confront injustice, challenge oppression and amplify marginalised voices.

Robust Academic Engagement

The colloquium featured a panel session moderated by Professor Remi Raji, with leading scholars presenting papers examining different dimensions of Osofisan’s scholarship and creative legacy.

Contributors included Professors Wumi Raji, Diran Ademiju-Bepo, Mabel Evwierhoma, Gbemisola Adeoti, Steve Inegbe and Emmanuel Emasealu, alongside Dr. Sola Adeyemi of the University of East Anglia.

Their presentations explored themes such as decolonisation, revolutionary aesthetics, indigenous performance traditions, humour, political theatre and the continuing relevance of Osofisan’s works in contemporary African society.

Anthology, Awards and Artistic Tributes

A major highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of Garlands for the Dream-Seeker, an anthology edited by Denja Abdullahi and Ezekiel Fajenyo containing poetic tributes from writers across Africa in honour of Osofisan’s literary journey.

ANA also presented the playwright with an award recognising his exceptional contributions to literature and his enduring support for the Association.

The celebration concluded with the cutting of Osofisan’s 80th birthday cake, the unveiling of a commemorative portrait by artist Olumide Sowumi and preparations for a special art exhibition at the Odunlade Art Gallery in Ibadan.

Together, the events celebrated not only an individual literary giant but also the continuing vitality of African drama, scholarship and cultural heritage.