For three days, many aspects of the pioneer Yoruba novelist, the late Daniel Olorunfemi Fagunwa’s books were subjected to scholarly critique by literary giants from across the globe at an international conference in Akure, Ondo State. Like some aspects of his books, the circumstances surrounding his death were shrouded in controversy. The forum that was organised to commemorate the golden anniversary of his death, provided opportunity for the Fagunwa family to debunk rumours that the late writer was a mysterious man who either died by drowning in River Niger at Bida, or in a motor accident. Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports.
It was a rare gathering, attracting mostly Yoruba scholars from across the globe. They made no pretences about their mission to Akure, the Ondo State capital, last weekend.
They gathered to celebrate the literary landmarks of the pioneer Yoruba language novelist, the late Daniel Olorunfemi Fagunwa who passed on 50 years ago. Central to the celebration was the critical appraisal of the different aspects of Fagunwa’s imaginative writings.
The international conference was organised by the Ondo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in collaboration with the Fagunwa Study Group, Fagunwa Foundation and the Centre for Black Arts and African Civilisation (CBAAC).
Two governors, Dr. Segun Mimiko of Ondo State and his Ekiti counterpart, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and some traditional rulers such as the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Adesunmbo Kiladejo, Oba Dokun Abolarin, Orangun of Oke Ila, and representative of the Oba of Oke-Igbo, Otunba Olu Adegbite from the state were in attendance to perpetuate the legacies of the renowned writer who would have turned 110 years this year.
Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka who gave the key note, canvassed for the promotion and preservation of Nigeria’s indigenous languages and cultural values. He extolled the virtues and relevance of Fagunwa’s literary works.
Soyinka who spoke on Fagunwa’s Forest Tapestry: Heroes and Heroics, morals and moralists, analysed the relevance of the late author’s works in modern day Nigeria, saying that Fagunwa’s philosophy is all about selfless service to community and balancing of ethics (se boti mo).
Fagunwa, he said, identified with everyone in his works and expressed his devotion to communal cause. According to him, heroes are different from heroics, and that heroes could be found anywhere except that the society often refers to the real heroes as failures or losers.
He said Nigerians should avoid the ABC syndrome of (Amnesia, Blindness and Compartmentalisation) if the society must move forward.
He added that ‘we should hold his works as a mirror to all our pretentions,’ noting that Fagunwa’s works could be likened to another book; Six characters in search of author written by Luigi Prandelo, the Italian writer.
Govenror Mimiko corroborated Soyinka’s position saying everyone has a role to play in the society, adding that it is the synergy that would bring to help the society. He noted that literature has the very foundation that could transform the society. “We need to define our heroes and heroics because we are in a critical juncture in our nation where we have heroes as villains,” he added.
Governor Fayemi who extolled the virtues of the late Fagunwa, said there is a dearth of role models in the society, noting that Fagunwa’s legacies should evoke great passion in literature among the youths. He said that 50 years after Fagunwa’s death, his celebration shows that his works remain timeless. “Fagunwa live and worked as a teacher. The preservation of our language is strongly tied to our civilization as a people. We must never allow our language to die. Today, Fagunwa’s promotion of knowledge has been justified as the UN sets aside August 9 as the international day for indigenous people across the globe,” he said.
Culture,Tourism and National Orientation Minister, Chief Edem Duke represented by Executive Secretary, Nigerian Institute for Cultural Orientation, Dr. Barclays Ayakoroma said that rekindling memories of this great literary icon through a conference of this nature redirects ‘our attention to the need to celebrate virtues and recognize those that have contributed positively to societal growth. “Holding this conference at this period of our history reminds writers and those in the creative industry of the roles they can play in our country’s desire for development. A good writer not only dissects life, its challenges, events and people in a honest and humane way, he teaches, admonishes and holds the torch of hope, especially in an atmosphere of despondency. Replete in Fagunwa’s works are positive role models, which can be emulated to assist Nigeria’s desire for development,” he said.
Director General of Centre for Black Arts and African Civilisation (CBAAC), Prof. Tunde Babawale said the decision to hold the conference was primarily to rekindle the profound memories of the sterling qualities and contributions of the late Fagunwa to African literature, arts and culture.
The opening ceremony was not all about speeches as there were performances by the Ondo State cultural troupe, while young Iwalewa Olorunyomi of Bodija International School, Ibadan, read fluently in Yoruba language some pages from Fagunwa’s book. Also on stage as solo act was Akaraogun, who rendered excerpt from adapted Langbodo.
The conference attracted scholars such as Prof Niyi Osundare, Prof Femi Osofisan, Prof Kole Omotoso, prof. Jacob Olupona, Prof Dele Layiwola, Prof Karin Barber, Prof Dan Izevbaye, Odia Ofeimun, prof Adeleke Adeeko, Prof Harry Garuba, Prof Olu Obafemi and Prof Olaaoye Abioye. Others were Prof Oyeronke Oyewunmi, Prof Olubunmi Smith, Prof Gbemisola Adeoti, Dr. Akin Adesokan, Sola Olorunyomi, Tejumola Olaniyan among others.
