Soyinka Creates a Haven for Writers

 

Famous poet, Odia Ofeimum read one of his works, ‘Ogun Protects His Own’. He was not the only one who read an original work or excerpts from a book that is not theirs. Perhaps, the significance of his poem was tied to the fact that it not only celebrated the Yoruba deity, Ogun, god of iron, it was a fitting literature at a function that elevated the eminence of Nobel prize winner, Professor Wole Soyinka, who recognises Ogun as his patron god.

His rendition was preceded by a revelation that his father was a worshipper of Ogun. As he repeated the phrase, ‘Ogun protects his own’, it looked like he needed affirmation from a captive audience that was transfixed. His voice resounded in measured cadence as ran through the work. Finally, arriving safely at its conclusion, he sought the indulgence of the audience for another activity. Urging everyone to donate books and other useful materials, Ofeimum led the way by presenting a vintage photograph of himself with Soyinka.

Before Ofeimum, Wana Udobang who is gaining increasing fame for her performance poetry got a rousing applause at the June 12 Cultural Centre, venue of the launch of Soyinka’s latest literary work, ‘InterInventions, Between Defective Memory and Public Lie, A Personal Odyssey in The Republic of Liars’. Akeem Lasisi was no less acknowledged for his work. Other readers like Igoni Barret and Kunle Ajibade were similarly applauded.

Other entertainment ingredients from the Soyinka milieu were provided by a group of youngsters called Footprints of David and a showcase from Soyinka’s play, ‘Alapata of Apata.’

The 130 – page work was presented to the public by the Edo State governor, Adams Oshiohmole. The governor attended the event in the company of his wife, Iara. The launch attracted royalty like the Alake of Egbaland, Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun and former governors Donald Duke and Kayode Fayemi among other dignitaries.

Ten autographed copies of the book were traded at an auction in which Oshiomole bought the first copy for an undisclosed sum, while Makin Soyinka who compered the event with his brother, Dr. Olaokun announced a N1 million purchase for Arise News Network.
The event was also used as the formal inauguration of The Wole Soyinka Foundation, a retreat for writers. Two writers, Ifedapo Akinola, for the junior category and Prof. Obiageli Okigbo, for the senior category were announced as the first residents of the writers resort.

Soyinka said he had always wanted to establish a haven for writers. “I would have gone clinically insane if I did not have a place to go and hide to create. Writers for some time of the year forget the rest of the world, Some of us are temperamentally that way.” He said although the resort is open to all researchers, it would give preference to researchers in the humanities, “scientists get jobs, writers don’t get jobs that easily.”