The city of Ibadan witnessed an unprecedented influx of entertainment heavyweights, international practitioners, and Nollywood icons who gathered at the Wole Soyinka Theatre, University of Ibadan, on Saturday, June 27, to celebrate the 80th birthday of literary patriarch, Emeritus Professor Femi Osofisan.
The high-octane event was a brilliant initiative of Choboi Hub, spearheaded by its Lead, the popular comedian, actor, and University of Ibadan Theatre Arts alumnus, Oluwasegun LAFUP Ogundipe.
Produced by Lafup and funded through an energetic fundraising drive by members of Choboi Hub, the night successfully capped a month of celebrations. The Wole Soyinka Theatre vibrated with classic campus gyration chants led by current UI theatre students, alongside the staff and management of the department who gave their total cooperation to ensure the event was a glittering success.
A major highlight of the evening was the dramatic performances. While Debola Ogunsina’s production of Who Tiff Monalisa? generated buzz earlier at the Odunlade Centre, the main event featured a spellbinding command performance of the classic Medeeya. Directed by the renowned Dr Tunde Awosanmi, the exceptional cast and crew left the audience in awe. Surrounded by family, friends, and adoring proteges, the icon cut his landmark 80th birthday cake.
Proving that they are the new generation keeping the dialogue alive, Choboi Hub officially launched the Choboi Many Colours Award. Mirroring the Professor’s lifelong generosity, the hub surprised the audience by presenting full 75 percent tuition grants to four outstanding final year students: Ifeoluwa Oluwaniran, Lekan Ogunsuada, Grace Ovu, and Aminat Olanrewaju.
Special plaque awards tied to Osofisan’s legendary stage plays were also handed out to alumni making waves globally, including TV director of The Johnsons Thomas Odia, UI theatre director and lecturer Olanike Bennet Onimisi, UI Light and Tech Director Yemi Adebo, radio station manager Jeje Ibukun, and Folake Owolabi of Pan Atlantic University.
The star-studded event was coordinated by a dedicated Local Organizing Committee including Olanike Bennet Onimisi, Folakemi Owolabi, Thomas Odia, Basirat Jinadu, Michael Odejimi, Alawonle Akanbi, Biodun Akinshiku, and many others, with Lafup producing the entire showcase. Dr Monsuru Olajide of Lead City University anchored the night perfectly.
In a wrapping report of the evening, Oluwasegun LAFUP Ogundipe shared heartfelt acknowledgments with everyone present. He highlighted the profound role played by Professor Mrs Osofisan, recognizing her as the steady hand keeping the legendary celebrant stable to guide and impact his students for decades. Special credits and warm acknowledgments were also given to the dedicated Choboi Hub group, the wonderful staff and management of the UI Theatre Department for their seamless cooperation, Dr Jide Adeyemi who made the trip from the UK, and key supporters like Tuke Ọ̀ṣínáìkè who helped bring the vision to life.
