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.