Follow Us on Google
By Damiete Braide
Tomi Falade is using the power of theatre and creative storytelling to bring forgotten chapters of Yoruba history back into public consciousness, weaving humour, drama and historical imagination into plays designed to entertain while encouraging audiences to reconnect with their cultural roots.
The latest expression of her literary journey came with the unveiling of two new books, Alayemore and Orompotoniyun, at an intimate gathering tagged The Tomi Falade Book Party 2.0: A Cocktail Affair. Hosted by Gbenga Adeyinka D 1st at Cafe One, Ikeja, the event brought together family, friends, colleagues, literary enthusiasts and well-wishers for an evening of readings, conversations and celebration.
Falade used the occasion to take guests beyond the pages of her books, offering imaginative interpretations of historical events and characters. Describing herself as a tool breathing life into history, she transported the audience into conversations that might have occurred during the events that inspired the plays.
Alayemore tells the story of Obalufon Alayemore, an Ooni of Ile-Ife who was displaced by Oranmiyan. Following his displacement, he founded Efon Alaaye and later returned to the throne after Oranmiyan’s departure, earning the distinction of being the twice-crowned king.
Orompotoniyun, on the other hand, revisits the remarkable story of Ajiun Orompotoniyun, recognised as the first and only woman to rule as Alaafin of the Oyo Empire.
The historical drama adds a creative twist to the story, drawing inspiration from William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Falade blends historical ‘faction’ with Shakespearean-style confusion, humour and dramatic tension, producing a work that places a familiar theatrical structure against the backdrop of the Oyo Empire.
For Falade, the project is part of a larger mission to reclaim stories that have remained largely outside mainstream conversations. She said Africa, Nigeria and the Yoruba people possess an abundance of stories that deserve to be told boldly and preserved for future generations.
Other News
She, however, clarified that her works should not be regarded as conventional historical accounts. Falade explained that her plays are works of ‘faction’ rather than historical theses, allowing her to shift timelines, blend contemporary rhythms and amplify human drama for the stage.
She encouraged readers who become interested in the stories to consult royal bards and custodians of oral tradition for accurate accounts, timelines and historical details. Her intention, she explained, is to give readers a taste that could stimulate deeper interest in the original histories.
The audience appeared to embrace that approach. Readings from the books became lively performances as familiar faces dramatized the characters, added ad-libs and brought humour to the passages. The atmosphere reflected the balance Falade sought between education and entertainment, with historical subjects presented through relatable characters and dramatic situations.
The launch attracted notable personalities, including Prince Bamidele Jonathan Olagunju, Vice President of the Efon Alaaye Development League; Taye Ige, President and CEO of HS Media Group; Efe Omorogbe, Founder of Buckwyld Media Network; and Babajide Fadiya, CEO of Baggage Support Services.
Others included Seun Oloketuyi of BON Awards, Yemi Adebisi, Editor of Saturday Independent, Olumide Iyanda of QED Media, Muyiwa Kupoluyi, and Nollywood actor and filmmaker Jide Awobona.
In his remarks, Ige praised Falade’s growing literary versatility, noting that her first two books demonstrated her ability to explore contemporary relationships as well as the more demanding themes of history, royalty, exile, identity and legacy.
He described her latest works as evidence that her first literary outing was no accident, but part of a deliberate creative journey. According to him, producing four books within a relatively short period demonstrated talent, discipline, courage and remarkable productivity.
A panel discussion anchored by Gbenga Bada further examined the importance of cultural preservation. Prince Olagunju stressed the need to introduce children to their places of origin, language and culture so they can maintain connections with their roots and eventually become cultural ambassadors and torchbearers.
Omorogbe broadened the conversation by calling for a systematic examination of why younger generations are becoming disconnected from their cultural heritage.
The discussions ultimately reinforced the significance of Falade’s work. At a time when oral traditions face the risk of fading, her creative retelling offers another avenue for preserving Yoruba history and making it accessible to younger readers.
Through Alayemore and Orompotoniyun, Falade is not merely revisiting the past; she is creating fresh pathways through which a new generation can encounter, question and appreciate the stories that helped shape Yoruba identity and heritage.
