Tourism icon Otunba Dr. Olawanle Akinboboye has unveiled Odigbose – The Play to members of the African and Diaspora communities at the Agip Hall of the MUSON Centre in Lagos.
The unveiling, which took place on Saturday night, brought together diplomats, cultural intellectuals, industry leaders, Nollywood personalities, young people and families to witness a theatrical production examining the history of the trans-Atlantic slave trade from an African perspective.
The event was organised by Motherland Beckons – IPADA Initiatives in collaboration with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).
The programme began with a red-carpet reception at 6 p.m., giving guests an opportunity to network, interact with the organisers and engage with members of the media before the stage performance.
The production revisits one of the most painful chapters in African history while encouraging audiences to examine the events, relationships and circumstances that contributed to the forced movement of Africans across the Atlantic.
A Different Perspective on the Slave Trade
Speaking about the play, Akinboboye explained that one of its central objectives is to tell Africa’s own story of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and challenge the widely held impression that African kings simply sold their subjects to European slave traders.
According to him, many of the Africans who were captured and transported across the Atlantic were prisoners of war. He also highlighted how European traders supplied weapons to African kingdoms, contributing to conflicts that resulted in people being captured and sold into slavery.
Through its dramatic presentation, Odigbose – The Play seeks to encourage a deeper understanding of the historical circumstances surrounding the slave trade and the different forces involved.
The production places emphasis on African experiences and perspectives, creating an opportunity for audiences to engage with the past beyond familiar accounts of the period.
By presenting these historical issues through theatre, the play aims to preserve cultural memory, encourage conversations about identity and heritage, and help younger generations understand the significance of this history.
NACCIMA President, Cultural Leaders Attend Unveiling
Among the distinguished guests at the event was the National President of NACCIMA, Engr. (Dr.) Jani Ibrahim.
His presence reflected the collaboration between the cultural initiative and the business community in promoting African heritage and creative expression.
Also in attendance was Nollywood icon and screenwriter Tunde Babalola, who is working on the upcoming film adaptation of the play.
Babalola praised the stage production, describing the performance as “tremendous” and a “full circle moment.”
He recalled first seeing the play about 20 years ago at La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort. Returning to experience it again, he said the production had retained its vitality, strength and creative interpretation.
He also emphasised the importance of telling the story from the perspective of the African slave, describing the production as an authentic account that deserves a wider audience.
The planned film adaptation is expected to bring the story to a different medium, potentially making it accessible to audiences beyond those who can attend live theatrical performances.
Other notable guests included Professor Wasiu Babalola, Chairman of the National Technical Committee on Tourism and Related Services, and Justice Eniola Fabamwo of the Ogun State High Court.
Both guests praised the production’s historical depth and cultural authenticity, noting the importance of presenting African history in ways that younger generations can understand and appreciate.
Vibrant Performances Bring History to Life
The stage production combined historical storytelling with music, dance, drumming and carefully recreated costumes to create an engaging theatrical experience.
The cast brought the story to life through performances that connected ancient African settings with contemporary realities.
The use of traditional sounds, movement and visual elements helped establish the historical atmosphere while maintaining the dramatic energy needed to hold the audience’s attention.
As writer and director, Akinboboye guided the production in presenting a story that combines cultural expression with historical reflection.
The performance was designed not only to entertain but also to encourage audiences to think about the human cost of slavery, the lasting effects of historical injustice and the importance of preserving the stories of those whose experiences are often overlooked.
The event concluded with refreshments and networking, allowing guests to share their impressions of the production and discuss its cultural and historical significance.
‘Odigbose’ Prepares for a World Tour
The organisers announced that Odigbose – The Play will begin a world tour soon, starting with schools and universities across Africa before moving to other parts of the world.
The planned tour is intended to introduce the production to a broader audience, particularly students and young people who may benefit from learning about African history through live performance.
Taking the play into educational institutions could also provide opportunities for discussions about the trans-Atlantic slave trade, African identity, historical interpretation and the preservation of cultural heritage.
The proposed international expansion reflects the organisers’ ambition to take African stories beyond local stages and make them part of wider conversations about history and the African experience.
The film adaptation currently in production is another significant development for the project. Through theatre and film, the story has the potential to reach audiences across different countries and generations.
However, the organisers have not provided specific dates or locations for the world tour in the information released about the unveiling.
A Four-Decade-Old Story with Lasting Relevance
Described as a four-decade-old epic production, Odigbose – The Play takes its name from a term meaning “a final farewell.”
Its return to the stage highlights the continuing relevance of historical theatre as a tool for education, cultural preservation and public engagement.
For Akinboboye and the organisers, the production represents an opportunity to revisit the past while encouraging Africans and people of African descent to engage with their shared history.
The story also raises important questions about how historical events are remembered, whose perspectives are represented and how creative works can help preserve the experiences of previous generations.
With plans for a world tour and a film adaptation underway, Odigbose – The Play is positioned to reach audiences beyond the theatre and contribute to the ongoing conversation about Africa’s history and cultural identity.
The Lagos unveiling marked another step in bringing the production before new audiences, using theatre to revisit a painful historical period and encourage a more informed understanding of the African experience.
