As a University of Ilorin student in the late 1980s, I had the privilege of observing Emeritus Professor Olu Obafemi from afar, impressed by his reputation as a dynamic lecturer in the Faculty of Arts. Remarkably, he was easily recognisable due to his distinctive short stature and brisk gait as he moved around the campus. Although we never interacted directly, even when I served as Student Union President in 1991, I later learned of his appointment as Dean of Student Affairs in 1993, shortly after my graduation in 1992.
It wasn’t until 2005, when Professor Obafemi was concluding his tenure as President of the Association of Nigerian Authors, that I had the honour relating directly with him, for the first time. This introduction was facilitated by my friend, Professor Isiaka Aliagan, then Editor of the Nigerian Herald newspaper and compiler of the ANA Review. When Professor Obafemi instructed, “Isiaka, please ensure the ANA Review is ready on time,” his rapid-husky voice commanded attention. I greeted him with respect, and he responded with a nod and a hint of a smile. Notably, Professor Aliagan had involved me in proofreading the ANA Review that year.
My journey into writing began unexpectedly in 1998, when I met members of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Niger State Chapter, through the wife of my former boss, Mallam Baba Dzukogi. Joining the ANA brought me into direct contact with distinguished Nigerian writers, including the late Cyprian Ekwensi, Chukwuemeka Ike, Ola Rotimi, Elechi Amadi, Abubakar Gimba, and Mabel Segun, among other notable literary figures who have since passed into memory.
Over time, my connection with Professor Obafemi grew stronger, and I had the privilege of meeting him with my late father on a few occasions. When I later became President of the Association of Nigerian Authors, I forged even closer ties with him and other literary giants, including Emeritus Professor Femi Osofisan, Professor Niyi Osundare, Professor Udenta O Udenta, Senator Shehu Sani, and Professor Akachi Ezeigbo-Adimora; through ANA, I was privileged to meet Kongi himself, Professor Wole Soyinka. I also had the opportunity to engage with the younger generation of Nigerian literary talent.
I have been privileged to belong to three state chapters of the Association of Nigerian Authors: Niger, where I started; Lagos, where I briefly sojourned; and, of course, Kwara ANA, where I rose to become Chairman in 2009. I am highly indebted to the Association of Nigerian Authors, particularly these chapters, and I cherish my literary association with the likes of Professor Isiaka Aliagan, Mall Baba BM Dzukogi , Mall Denja Abdullahi , Mr. Camillus Ukah , and, of course, Dr. Wale Olawale Okediran . Indeed, they were all pivotal to my modest contribution to the Nigerian literary scene!
Upon receiving the invitation to attend the colloquium in honour of Emeritus Professor Olu Obafemi, I felt delighted. The theme, “Olu Obafemi and the African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKS),” was particularly intriguing. Accompanied by Hussein Zaguru Abdulkadir, I embarked on the journey to Lokoja with Mr Segun, my trusted driver. We set off at 10:00 am on Sunday, October 12, 2025. The journey proved arduous, owing to the poor state of the road, which was further exacerbated by ongoing repairs.
Recalling my tenure as Relationship Manager for Agriculture and Food at First Bank of Nigeria Plc, where I covered Kwara, Kogi, Niger, and FCT Abuja branches, I have traversed these roads since 1997. Unfortunately, despite numerous administrations investing substantial sums in its construction and repair, the road remains in a deplorable state. It is disheartening to note that the same road I have travelled for nearly three decades still poses significant challenges.
The condition of the major road arteries connecting the southwest to Abuja is nothing short of appalling. It is intriguing that the government is initiating new coastal and border routes while the central road network remains in disrepair. Furthermore, the goods haulage system, which relies heavily on road transport, is taking a devastating toll on our roads.
Another issue that warrants attention is the conduct of the police on the Lokoja road. During our journey, we encountered officers requesting the driver’s licence and vehicle particulars. The driver provided the necessary documents, but the officers asked him to open the boot and later questioned the tyre’s expiration. An argument ensued over the renewal of the vehicle’s proof of ownership and tinted glass permit. I stepped down from the car and inquired about the location, after which the officer suddenly changed his demeanor and allowed us to proceed.
On the return journey, we faced a similar ordeal, with a group of police officers being rather uncivil near Kwali. Mall Denja Abdullahi, a former President of the Association of Nigerian Authors who was with us, attempted to intervene, explaining that the documents in question were under litigation and that the officers had been instructed not to demand them, provided there was evidence of prior approval. However, the officers refused to listen and instead seemed to be ensnaring us, stalling us on the spot despite our pleas to take us to the police station to sort out the issue. They insisted on taunting us, it seemed. It was only after I placed some calls, including to a Deputy Police Commissioner friend, that they relented, lecturing the officers on proper procedure after I had gotten through to them. We were eventually allowed to proceed, grateful to have navigated the challenges of the road and the police. We eventually arrived in Abuja at noon.
We were graciously accommodated at the Emblem Hotel, courtesy of the Federal University of Lokoja, the organizers of the Olu Obafemi Colloquium. The following morning, we proceeded to the university premises for the event, which was chaired by Emeritus Professor Femi Osofisan, Chairman, Board of Trustees of ANA, and the third President of the association. Despite being 79 years old and visibly fatigued from the journey from Abuja to Lokoja, Professor Osofisan was determined to attend the event in honour of his close friend, Professor Olu Obafemi.
The colloquium featured several discussants who spoke on the theme “Olu Obafemi and the African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKS)”. One of the speakers, Professor Ayodele Anthony Bamidele, delivered an eloquent presentation, dissecting the concept of Agurumo as contained in Professor Obafemi’s book “Agurumo on the Cross”. He also regaled the audience with a soulful traditional song from the Okun-speaking region. His presentation underscored the need for public intellectuals to speak truth to power and advocate for social justice through their writing, particularly in the realm of creative writing.
Another engaging speaker was Professor Ajayi Soyinka, who presented online and explored the sub-theme “Landscaping our National Identity: Interrogating Ogidi Mandate as a Metaphor for National Unity”. Her contribution was explosive, exhilarating, and insightful, despite being cut short due to time constraints.
Unfortunately, due to network issues and a sudden power outage, we were unable to fully appreciate the presentation of Professor Olufemi Abiodunrin, who spoke online from South Africa on the sub-theme “Olu Obafemi and the African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKS)”.
The students of the university performed an adaptation of Denja Abdullahi ‘s play “Death and the King’s Grey Hair”, which delighted the audience. The event also provided an opportunity for me to reconnect with several individuals, including the amiable Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Lokoja, Professor Olayemi, who played a crucial role in inaugurating the annual Olu Obafemi Colloquium.
I even had the pleasure of meeting the Registrar of the school, Dr. Okojie, a former Deputy Registrar of Council at the University of Ilorin. I was also delighted to encounter Professor Enitan, Vice Chancellor of Kogi State University, Kabba, who was a roommate of mine in Compound F at the University of Ilorin in 1991. He readily recognized me, and we shared a pleasant reunion.
The event was also attended by other notable academics, including Professor Mahfouz Adedimeji, Vice Chancellor of the African School of Economics, Abuja, and Associate Professor Foluke Aliyu, among others. The Federal University of Lokoja hosted a sumptuous lunch, which was followed by a dinner hosted by Professor Olu Obafemi at the Royal Grand Restaurant in the evening. We enjoyed the scintillating music that filled the night sky as we waltzed to the rhythm.
Finally, I must thank Dr. Abba, the chairman of the local organising committee for being a good host and of course, the Chairman and other members of Kogi state Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors for their warm reception. My sincere appreciation to them all. I had a wonderful time out there.
- Akanbi, President, Association of Nigerian Authors
