The 80th birthday of Emeritus Professor Femi Osofisan, one of Nigeria’s most distinguished playwrights, poets, scholars and intellectuals, was marked with a series of literary, theatrical, academic and cultural activities involving the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), the Presidency, the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA) and other members of the literary and cultural community.
Professor Osofisan attained the milestone on June 16, 2026, providing an occasion for the literary community and admirers of his work to reflect on his decades of contribution to Nigerian literature, African theatre and intellectual life. The celebrations extended across different locations and platforms, with activities continuing beyond his birthday.
The Presidency was among those that recognised the milestone, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulating Professor Osofisan on his 80th birthday and acknowledging his contributions to Nigeria’s cultural and intellectual heritage. At the continental level, PAWA honoured the renowned writer with its Patron of the Arts Award, further highlighting the recognition that accompanied his 80th birthday.
A major highlight of the celebrations was the landmark colloquium organised by ANA on June 22, 2026, at the Wole Soyinka Theatre, University of Ibadan. Held under the theme “African Drama and Performance Traditions: The Past, The Present and The Future,” the event brought together scholars, writers, theatre practitioners and stakeholders in Nigeria’s creative and cultural sectors to examine the evolution, relevance and future of African theatre, with particular attention to Osofisan’s remarkable contribution to the field.
The colloquium attracted a distinguished gathering that included Professor Remi Raji, former 10th President of ANA; Professor Wumi Raji; Professor Diran Ademiju-Bepo; Professor Gbemisola Adeoti; Dr. Sola Adeyemi; Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, Dr. John Asein; and Mr. Tosin Akeredolu, Acting Executive Director of the Reproduction Rights Society of Nigeria, who represented the Chairman of its Board, Mr. Adedapo Gbadega.
In his address as Guest of Honour, ANA President Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi described Osofisan as one of the foremost pillars of the Association. He said the celebration represented both recognition of Osofisan’s towering contribution to literature and theatre and an acknowledgement of his impactful tenure as the third President of ANA, during which he strengthened institutional structures and inspired new directions for the Association.
A goodwill message delivered on behalf of PAWA Secretary-General Dr. Wale Okediran also highlighted Osofisan’s continental significance. The message celebrated his contribution to African literature and theatre and recalled his historic role as pioneer President of PAWA, particularly his contribution to shaping the organisation’s vision and mission during its formative years.
The keynote address was delivered by Emeritus Professor Olu Obafemi, FNAL, NNOM, D.Litt. Hon., who situated African drama within a continuum of history, performance and imagination. He traced the roots of African theatre to indigenous forms including festivals, storytelling, music, dance and masquerade traditions such as Egungun and Alarinjo. Drawing on Wole Soyinka’s theatrical philosophy, he described African theatre as a “dome of continuity” connecting the ancestors, the living and future generations.
Professor Obafemi further examined the effects of colonialism and European theatrical frameworks on African performance while highlighting the resilience and adaptability of indigenous traditions through travelling theatre and modern literary drama.
He examined modern African theatre as an instrument of cultural reclamation, political resistance and social transformation, with particular attention to Osofisan’s dramaturgy and his use of myth, history and folklore to confront oppression and amplify marginalised voices. He called for a decolonised and technologically responsive African theatre rooted in indigenous languages, digital innovation and community engagement.
The colloquium also featured a panel session moderated by Professor Remi Raji, with contributions from scholars including Professor Wumi Raji, Professor Diran Ademiju-Bepo, Professor Mabel Evwierhoma, Professor Gbemisola Adeoti, Dr. Sola Adeyemi, Professor Steve Inegbe and Professor Emmanuel Emasealu. Their presentations explored Osofisan’s relationship with tradition and transformation, revolutionary aesthetics, decolonisation, indigenous African sources, cultural reclamation, political engagement and the future of African performance.
A major literary highlight was the launch of Garlands for the Dream-Seeker, an anthology edited by Denja Abdullahi and Ezekiel Fajenyo. The collection brought together poetic tributes from Nigerian and African writers in honour of Osofisan’s eight-decade journey as a writer, scholar and cultural figure, popularly associated with his poetic name, Okinba Launko.
In his foreword, Dr. Akanbi described the anthology as “a resounding testament and a verbal libation poured in honour of greatness,” noting that it reflected the admiration of colleagues, students, mentees and literary communities across generations.
The event also featured the presentation of an award to Professor Osofisan in recognition of his outstanding contributions to literature and his enduring support for ANA. Other memorable moments included the cutting of his 80th birthday cake, led by Dr. John Asein of the Nigerian Copyright Commission alongside the ANA President, as well as the unveiling of a painted portrait of the celebrant by artist Olumide Sowumi.
Beyond the June colloquium, the celebration continued with an exhibition at the Tunde Odunlade Art Gallery in Ibadan, showcasing photographs and materials documenting aspects of Osofisan’s literary and theatrical journey.
In September, ANA further extended the celebration through its third-quarter Mbari Series, themed “Through Osofisan’s Lens,” bringing writers, scholars and intellectuals together to critically engage with his works, ideas and enduring influence.
The various activities surrounding Professor Femi Osofisan’s 80th birthday provided platforms for official recognition, continental acknowledgement, literary celebration and sustained intellectual engagement. From the recognition by the Presidency and PAWA to ANA’s landmark Ibadan colloquium, anthology launch, award presentation and Mbari Series engagement, the celebrations offered diverse perspectives on Osofisan’s contribution to Nigerian and African literature, theatre and cultural scholarship.
