All is set for creative minds at Poetry Enclave (POEN), Ibadan to hold Yemi Farounbi Poetry Festival (YEMFAFEST 2026).
The festival is in honour of Dr. Yemi Farounbi, a man whose life reads like a history book. Dr. Yemi Farounbi, the Asiwaju of Igbomina, Osun State, broadcaster par excellence, elder statesman, writer, filmmaker, politician, teacher and diplomat who once served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Philippines, has worn many caps, and worn them all with dignity.
According to a statement from the Festival Director, Ebika Anthony in a statement, the event will attract the creamiest in the society.
Anthony continued “For several years, Dr. Farounbi’s voice has been gracing the airwaves. His life graced public service. Now, poets, singers, drummers and dancers will celebrate him with their arts.
According to Ebika Anthony — himself a poet, puppeteer, publisher, performing artiste and arts director, *YEMFAFEST* was born out of a simple conviction: honour should be given to whom honour is due, and it should be given now.
“When we honour Dr. Yemi Farounbi, we are not just celebrating one man,” Ebika says. We are teaching our children that a life of integrity is worth celebrating. And in the process, we will discover, nurture and promote new poetic talents.”
The festival is anchored on a thoughtful theme: “Poetry in Honour of Heroes”.
Presiding as Chairperson is Arch. Muyiwa Ige. Delivering the keynote is the revered literary giant, Dr. Bayo Adebowale. The Chief Guest of Honour is Prof. Tunde Adeniran, while Barrister Akeem Agbaje is the Special Guest of honour.
And to give royal blessings, three Royal Fathers will grace the festival. They are HRM Oba Kolawole Adegbola, HRM Oba Yekini Olayemi Omisore and HRM Oba Ademola Ayoade.
Venue: RATTAWU Hall, BCOS, Basorun, Ibadan
Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
Time: 10 a.m to 12 Noon for students
12 Noon to 6 p.m for adults
There will be poetry readings and performances that will make the heart soar. There will be music and dance. There will be a photo exhibition. And then, the highpoint is the public presentation of a brand new anthology, SWEET VOICES FOR FAROUNBI, a collection of poems written specially in honour of Dr. Yemi Farounbi
From students to teachers, from poets to lovers of poetry, from artistes to government functionaries and royal fathers, Ibadan is expected to gather to celebrate and joyfully give honour to Dr. Farounbi, for a life well lived.
YEMFAFEST 2026 is more than a festival. It is a lesson that heroes should not only be remembered when they are gone. They should be celebrated while they can still smile back at us.
All guests will walk to the cordial embrace of both the honouree and the festival Director.
For enquiries:
Ebika Anthony: 08034822937, 08122467487
