Ejigbede Lona Isalu Orun (Ejigbede’s Journey to Heaven): First Look

Ejigbede Lona Isalu Orun was written by Joseph Ogunshina Ogundele and published in 1956 by Longmans, Green and Co LTD. Ejigbede (translated as "a pair of young pigeons or doves") was born in heaven to Laburukusege. My guess of the meaning Laburukesege is somebody you don't wish to offend. Coming out of the womb with… Continue reading Ejigbede Lona Isalu Orun (Ejigbede’s Journey to Heaven): First Look

Adiitu Olodumare by D.O Fagunwa (MBE): Figures of Speech in Yoruba Language

Adiitu Olodumare (Mystery of God) was probably the last book written by DO Fagunwa. It was published in 1961, just two years before his tragic death, in Bida, Niger State. In this post, I want to focus on how Fagunwa, an accomplished master of the language used figures of speech in the very first paragraph… Continue reading Adiitu Olodumare by D.O Fagunwa (MBE): Figures of Speech in Yoruba Language

The Palm Wine Drinkard by Amos Tutuola

This evening, I was blown away by the immensity of Amos Tutuola, the author. He had just six years of education and trained as a blacksmith, practicing that trade for the Royal Airforce during World War 2 (read more here). Other vocations he tried was selling bread and messenger. While working as a messenger, he… Continue reading The Palm Wine Drinkard by Amos Tutuola

Obaluaye: Ancestry Is Complicated

Of all the deities of the Yorubas, Obaluaye is the most feared. You probably know him by the name Sonponna, the deity that the Yorubas of old believed can inflict small pox even on the vaccinated. The Yorubas of the South Western part of Nigeria are very accomplished in dramatic arts. Growing up in the… Continue reading Obaluaye: Ancestry Is Complicated

Oluwa Lo Mejo Da (God is the fair and wise judge) – Act 1 Scene 1

This is an old book, written in 1966. The last reprint was in 1971. Admittedly, my copy is very worn and rugged. One of the main characters in the book is depicted on the cover. Please meet "Dr" Raimi Ewedogbon. By the way, he is a native doctor and also a priest of one of… Continue reading Oluwa Lo Mejo Da (God is the fair and wise judge) – Act 1 Scene 1