Ibadan Book Club, Ulli Beier Society To Hold Memorial Reading In Honour Of Late Busari Agbolade

 

IBADAN BOOK CLUB, ULLI BEIER SOCIETY TO HOLD MEMORIAL READING IN HONOUR OF LATE BUSARI AGBOLADE

 

The Ibadan Book Club, in collaboration with the Ulli Beier Society, has announced plans to host a special book reading and performance poetry session in honour of the late Elder Busari Agbolade.

The event, originally intended to be this year’s edition of the annual Busari Agbolade Memorial Lecture, was restructured due to logistical reasons. This change, however, has not diminished the essence of the tribute, which now shifts to a dynamic format celebrating literature and performance.

The memorial event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Oyo State Library Board, located opposite Cocoa House, Dugbe, Ibadan. According to a press statement issued by the Founder of Ibadan Book Club, Wole Adedoyin, the event will begin at 12 PM and promises to provide a vibrant platform for young writers, poets, and literary enthusiasts to gather and commemorate the life and legacy of Elder Agbolade through words and artistic expression.

Adedoyin emphasized that the event will allow student-writers and performers to share their works, reflect on their literary journeys, and interact with an engaged audience comprising book lovers, fellow creatives, and stakeholders in the cultural community. The event seeks to continue Elder Agbolade’s legacy of promoting intellectual development, cultural engagement, and the preservation of Yoruba heritage through literature and the arts.

Over the years, the Busari Agbolade Memorial Lecture series has evolved into a significant platform for artistic reflection and cultural discourse. The inaugural edition held on May 29, 2021, was themed “Extending Creative Legacy”, and featured Murthada Lawal, who delivered a compelling lecture that underscored the importance of sustaining creative traditions.

The second edition, held on July 30, 2022, explored “The Importance of Drawing and Painting in Writing”, with visual artists Kola Akintola and Gbenga Akintayo delivering insightful presentations on the intersection of visual arts and literature, highlighting how illustrations can deepen storytelling and narrative expression.

The third edition, themed “Dance as an Expression of Culture”, took place on July 29, 2023, and featured renowned dancer and choreographer Christopher Emmanuel. His performance and lecture captivated audiences, demonstrating the power of movement in preserving oral traditions and community storytelling.

The most recent edition, held on July 27, 2024, featured Mr. Toyin Alade as the guest lecturer. Alade’s discourse focused on the “Impact of Atelier Practices on 21st Century Art” and offered a dreamscape view into the works of Abayomi Barber, enriching attendees with new dimensions of creative exploration and innovation.

The event will feature poetic presentations by three emerging literary voices: Nwaobilor Vincent Chukwuebuka, winner of the 2024 Wittypel Poetry Competition and contributor to the Bridgett James Poetry Anthology; Asefon Abdulganeey Stephen, an ekphrastic poet and social critic; and other guest contributors who will lend their voices to the memory of Elder Agbolade through poetry and prose.

The Ibadan Book Club invites members of the public, writers, artists, cultural enthusiasts, and the entire literary community to be part of this memorable occasion. The event will not only celebrate Elder Agbolade’s life and contributions but also inspire a new generation to uphold the values he embodied—creativity, cultural awareness, and community development.

 

Nwaobilor, Asefon To Headline Busari Agbolade Memorial Reading

 

 NWAOBILOR, ASEFON TO HEADLINE BUSARI AGBOLADE MEMORIAL READING

 

The duo of Nwaobilor Vincent Chukwuebuka, and Asefon Abdulganeey Stephen have been announced as the headliners for this year’s Busari Agbolade Memorial Reading. The event, which pays tribute to the life and legacy of the late Elder Busari Agbolade, promises a rich blend of literature, poetry, and performance art, led by these two outstanding young creatives.

Originally intended to be the 2025 edition of the annual Busari Agbolade Memorial Lecture, the event was restructured into a memorial reading and performance poetry session due to logistical adjustments. Despite the change in format, the essence of the tribute remains intact, celebrating Elder Agbolade’s enduring influence on literature, culture, and creative expression.

Scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Oyo State Library Board, opposite Cocoa House, Dugbe, Ibadan, the event will begin at 12 PM. According to a statement issued by the Founder of the Ibadan Book Club, Wole Adedoyin, the reading will serve as a vibrant platform for literary enthusiasts to gather, connect, and honour the creative legacy of the departed cultural icon.

Adedoyin noted that the memorial will spotlight the creative journeys of student-writers and performers, offering them a space to showcase their talents and engage with a broad audience of readers, writers, and cultural stakeholders. He emphasized that the event is part of a continued effort to sustain Elder Agbolade’s vision of fostering literary excellence, cultural pride, and intellectual development within the community.

The event is organized by Ibadan Book Club in conjunction with the Ulli Beier Society.

NWAOBILOR VINCENT CHUKWUEBUKA is a Nigerian writer whose creative expression spans poetry, fiction, and essays. A passionate and emerging literary voice, he is currently pursuing a degree in English and Education at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

In 2024, Vincent gained national recognition when he emerged as the winner of the Wittypel Poetry Competition for Young Nigerian Poets, a prestigious platform celebrating literary excellence among the country’s youth. His work has also received international attention, having been featured in the latest edition of the Bridgett James Poetry Anthology, a globally respected annual publication showcasing outstanding poetic talents from around the world.

Vincent continues to explore themes of identity, society, and human experience through his writing, positioning himself as one of the promising voices in contemporary African literature.

ASEFON ABDULGANEEY STEPHEN is a critic, poet, and a deeply humane individual whose personality and values have profoundly shaped his writing journey. Originally from Ondo State, he currently resides in Ibadan, where the city's vibrant social and cultural environment continues to influence his literary voice and vision.

Stephen strongly believes in the transformative power of words to challenge suppression, resist oppression, and address societal injustices. While his works are yet to gain broad exposure, they remain a powerful tool for shaping thoughts, perspectives, and understanding among those who encounter them.

An ardent ekphrastic poet, Stephen draws inspiration from visual art—whether paintings or photographs—often finding that his pen begins to bleed verses unconsciously in response. His commitment to socially conscious poetry and his passion for the arts mark him as a thoughtful and promising literary voice.

 

Olasunkanmi, Nwaobilor, Asefon To Headline Busari Agbolade Memorial Reading

 

OLASUNKANMI, NWAOBILOR, ASEFON TO HEADLINE BUSARI AGBOLADE MEMORIAL READING

 

The trio of Damilare Olasunkanmi (Arole Akewi), Nwaobilor Vincent Chukwuebuka, and Asefon Abdulganeey Stephen have been announced as the headliners for this year’s Busari Agbolade Memorial Reading. The event, which pays tribute to the life and legacy of the late Elder Busari Agbolade, promises a rich blend of literature, poetry, and performance art, led by these three outstanding young creatives.

Originally intended to be the 2025 edition of the annual Busari Agbolade Memorial Lecture, the event was restructured into a memorial reading and performance poetry session due to logistical adjustments. Despite the change in format, the essence of the tribute remains intact, celebrating Elder Agbolade’s enduring influence on literature, culture, and creative expression.

Scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Oyo State Library Board, opposite Cocoa House, Dugbe, Ibadan, the event will begin at 12 PM. According to a statement issued by the Founder of the Ibadan Book Club, Wole Adedoyin, the reading will serve as a vibrant platform for literary enthusiasts to gather, connect, and honour the creative legacy of the departed cultural icon.

Adedoyin noted that the memorial will spotlight the creative journeys of student-writers and performers, offering them a space to showcase their talents and engage with a broad audience of readers, writers, and cultural stakeholders. He emphasized that the event is part of a continued effort to sustain Elder Agbolade’s vision of fostering literary excellence, cultural pride, and intellectual development within the community.

The event is organized by Ibadan Book Club in conjunction with the Ulli Beier Society.

DAMILARE OLASUNKANMI (Arole Akewi) is a dynamic actor, director, and choreographer renowned for his ability to interpret plays through powerful actions and movements. His artistic brilliance has been showcased across various corporate and social platforms nationwide. Notably, he performed a drama piece during the coronation of the late Olubadan of Ibadan, delivered a captivating dance performance during the World Sango Day celebration in Oyo, and recently shared the stage with renowned Nollywood actor, Razak Olayiwola (Ojopagogo), during the 50th birthday celebration of the Alaafin of Oyo.

As a director, Damilare has led the production of more than ten stage plays for institutions of higher learning, including: Oba Koso by Duro Ladipo (2021), Arimgindin and the Night Watchmen by Wale Ogunyemi (2021), Bashorun Gaa by Adebayo Faleti (2024) and Kurunmi by Ola Rotimi (2024), among others.

In addition to directing, he has also featured as an actor in several notable stage productions such as Oba Koso, Drum Ignominy, Yemoja, and Obaluye. His talent extends into the Nigerian film industry, where he has appeared in films including Yokolenu, Akanke Oba, Rogedi, and Iyalode, to mention a few.

Damilare Olasunkanmi is a passionate and committed creative who continues to strive for excellence in the arts. He is currently focused on promoting his craft to a broader audience, ensuring that his cultural and artistic heritage remains impactful and enduring.

NWAOBILOR VINCENT CHUKWUEBUKA is a Nigerian writer whose creative expression spans poetry, fiction, and essays. A passionate and emerging literary voice, he is currently pursuing a degree in English and Education at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

In 2024, Vincent gained national recognition when he emerged as the winner of the Wittypel Poetry Competition for Young Nigerian Poets, a prestigious platform celebrating literary excellence among the country’s youth. His work has also received international attention, having been featured in the latest edition of the Bridgett James Poetry Anthology, a globally respected annual publication showcasing outstanding poetic talents from around the world.

Vincent continues to explore themes of identity, society, and human experience through his writing, positioning himself as one of the promising voices in contemporary African literature.

ASEFON ABDULGANEEY STEPHEN is a critic, poet, and a deeply humane individual whose personality and values have profoundly shaped his writing journey. Originally from Ondo State, he currently resides in Ibadan, where the city's vibrant social and cultural environment continues to influence his literary voice and vision.

Stephen strongly believes in the transformative power of words to challenge suppression, resist oppression, and address societal injustices. While his works are yet to gain broad exposure, they remain a powerful tool for shaping thoughts, perspectives, and understanding among those who encounter them.

An ardent ekphrastic poet, Stephen draws inspiration from visual art—whether paintings or photographs—often finding that his pen begins to bleed verses unconsciously in response. His commitment to socially conscious poetry and his passion for the arts mark him as a thoughtful and promising literary voice.

 

Ibadan Book Club, Ulli Beier Society To Hold Memorial Reading In Honour Of Late Busari Agbolade

 

IBADAN BOOK CLUB, ULLI BEIER SOCIETY TO HOLD MEMORIAL READING IN HONOUR OF LATE BUSARI AGBOLADE

 

The Ibadan Book Club, in collaboration with the Ulli Beier Society, has announced plans to host a special book reading and performance poetry session in honour of the late Elder Busari Agbolade.

The event, originally intended to be this year’s edition of the annual Busari Agbolade Memorial Lecture, was restructured due to logistical reasons. This change, however, has not diminished the essence of the tribute, which now shifts to a dynamic format celebrating literature and performance.

The memorial event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Oyo State Library Board, located opposite Cocoa House, Dugbe, Ibadan. According to a press statement issued by the Founder of Ibadan Book Club, Wole Adedoyin, the event will begin at 12 PM and promises to provide a vibrant platform for young writers, poets, and literary enthusiasts to gather and commemorate the life and legacy of Elder Agbolade through words and artistic expression.

Adedoyin emphasized that the event will allow student-writers and performers to share their works, reflect on their literary journeys, and interact with an engaged audience comprising book lovers, fellow creatives, and stakeholders in the cultural community. The event seeks to continue Elder Agbolade’s legacy of promoting intellectual development, cultural engagement, and the preservation of Yoruba heritage through literature and the arts.

Over the years, the Busari Agbolade Memorial Lecture series has evolved into a significant platform for artistic reflection and cultural discourse. The inaugural edition held on May 29, 2021, was themed “Extending Creative Legacy”, and featured Murthada Lawal, who delivered a compelling lecture that underscored the importance of sustaining creative traditions.

The second edition, held on July 30, 2022, explored “The Importance of Drawing and Painting in Writing”, with visual artists Kola Akintola and Gbenga Akintayo delivering insightful presentations on the intersection of visual arts and literature, highlighting how illustrations can deepen storytelling and narrative expression.

The third edition, themed “Dance as an Expression of Culture”, took place on July 29, 2023, and featured renowned dancer and choreographer Christopher Emmanuel. His performance and lecture captivated audiences, demonstrating the power of movement in preserving oral traditions and community storytelling.

The most recent edition, held on July 27, 2024, featured Mr. Toyin Alade as the guest lecturer. Alade’s discourse focused on the “Impact of Atelier Practices on 21st Century Art” and offered a dreamscape view into the works of Abayomi Barber, enriching attendees with new dimensions of creative exploration and innovation.

One of the highlights of this year’s memorial reading will be a special performance by Damilare Olasunkanmi (Arole Akewi), a prolific actor, director, and choreographer known for his dynamic theatrical interpretations. Olasunkanmi’s work spans landmark performances across Nigeria, including cultural festivals and academic theatre productions, making him a befitting artist to honour the cultural legacy of Elder Agbolade.

The event will also feature poetic presentations by three emerging literary voices: Nwaobilor Vincent Chukwuebuka, winner of the 2024 Wittypel Poetry Competition and contributor to the Bridgett James Poetry Anthology; Asefon Abdulganeey Stephen, an ekphrastic poet and social critic; and other guest contributors who will lend their voices to the memory of Elder Agbolade through poetry and prose.

The Ibadan Book Club invites members of the public, writers, artists, cultural enthusiasts, and the entire literary community to be part of this memorable occasion. The event will not only celebrate Elder Agbolade’s life and contributions but also inspire a new generation to uphold the values he embodied—creativity, cultural awareness, and community development.