Soyinka hails Ola Rotimi for taking OAU theatre to global stage
Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has paid tribute to late playwright, Prof. Ola Rotimi, for his pioneering contributions to the Department of Dramatic Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Soyinka, who served as the department’s pioneer Head, spoke on Friday during the unveiling of its 50th anniversary emblem, describing Rotimi as the driving force behind the university’s vibrant theatre culture.
He recalled how Rotimi, with the support of his team, established and sustained the Ori-Olokun Theatre, which attracted international theatre groups and prominent personalities, including former Senegalese President, Léopold Sédar Senghor.
The Nobel laureate said Rotimi’s theatrical productions, particularly his play Kurunmi, earned international recognition through performances across Africa and other continents, as well as appearances at international festivals.
Soyinka stressed that the department’s achievements were the product of collective efforts, urging the university community to recognise Rotimi and other pioneers who built a tradition of creativity, intellectual engagement and interaction with society.
He also acknowledged the contributions of late musicologist, Prof. Akin Euba, to musical innovations at the university, noting that its interdisciplinary approach and annual festivals had helped bring students, performers and audiences together beyond conventional classroom learning.
Describing theatre as an inclusive form of artistic expression, Soyinka urged students and practitioners to embrace change and innovation, saying, “Change is what art is all about. And of all the various media of artistic creativity, I think theatre is the most inclusive.”
Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. Gbenga Fasiku, described the anniversary as an opportunity to reposition and rebrand the department to meet changing global demands, expressing optimism that it would strengthen OAU’s contribution to Nigeria’s theatre and creative industries.
