60 Years After: Fagunwa Memorial Lecture holds tomorrow in Ibadan

 

60 YEARS AFTER: FAGUNWA MEMORIAL LECTURE HOLDS TOMORROW IN IBADAN

 

By Wole Adedoyin

The Family of the late Chief D.O. Fagunwa, in partnership with the D.O. Fagunwa Foundation and the Department of Linguistics and African Languages at the University of Ibadan, is pleased to announce the forthcoming Diamond Jubilee Celebration and Memorial Lecture. This event, dedicated to honoring and commemorating the distinguished writer Chief Daniel Olorunfẹmi Fágúnwà MBE, is scheduled to take place tomorrow, Thursday, December 7th, 2023, at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, Ibadan. The proceedings will commence at 11:00 am.

The focal point of the memorial lecture is the "Emerging Jurisprudence in the Works of D.O. Fagunwa – What Lessons for Nation Building." Distinguished legal scholar, Professor Olaide Gbadamosi – SAN, the Dean of Law and Provost at the Ifetedo Campus, Osun State University, will lead the intellectual discourse.

Chief Daniel Olorunfẹmi Fágúnwà MBE, renowned as D. O. Fágúnwà, was a pioneer in Yorùbá literature, credited with introducing the Yorùbá language novel. In 1938, he penned Ògbójú Ọdẹ nínú Igbó Irúnmọlẹ̀, considered the first Yorùbá language novel, showcasing his literary prowess. Fagunwa's literary contributions continued with masterpieces like Igbó Olódùmarè, Ìrèké Oníbùdó, and Àdììtú Olódùmarè.

His novels, deeply rooted in folktale traditions, explore the mystical with supernatural elements. The narrative, often featuring Yorùbá hunters engaging with kings, sages, and gods, delves into the complex interplay between the Christian beliefs of Africa's colonizers and traditional religions. Fagunwa's impact resonates, influencing contemporary writers such as Amos Tutuola. His creative brilliance extended to the incorporation of Greek myths and Shakespearean themes, as evident in Igbo Olodumare.

D. O. Fagunwa's literary significance extends beyond narrative techniques. He was the first Nigerian writer to infuse folk philosophy into storytelling, marking a groundbreaking approach. In recognition of his contributions, Fagunwa received the Margaret Wrong Prize in 1955 and was conferred the Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1959.

The Diamond Jubilee Celebration and Memorial Lecture aim to honor and reflect upon Chief D.O. Fagunwa's enduring literary legacy. Scholars, literary enthusiasts, and the general public are invited to Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, to partake in this momentous occasion. The family, foundation, and the University of Ibadan Department of Linguistics and African Languages anticipate a profound exploration of Fagunwa's works and their relevance in contemporary society.