POET hailed For Using Literature To Advance Social Reform

Vice chancellor of Federal University, Lokoja (FUL), Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, has described Prof. Olu Obafemi as a dramatist, poet, novelist, critic and teacher, who has used literature as a vehicle for social reform and national consciousness.

Prof. Akinwumi stated this in his welcome address at the Felele campus of the institution during the 3rd Colloquium, held in honour of Prof. Olu Obafemi as part of the activities for the 9th convocation ceremony of the university.

According to him, the colloquium was one of the intellectual highlights of the 9th convocation ceremony, saying “it perfectly aligns with our vision as a university committed to celebrating knowledge, excellence, and impactful scholarship”.

The vice chancellor pointed out that through Professor Obafemi’s pioneering work in radical and ideological theatre, the poet has redefined the role of literature in confronting injustice and promoting moral values.

“Beyond his creative output, he has served this nation with distinction as a public intellectual, mentor, and policy influencer.

“His conferment with the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM), the highest national honour for intellectual achievement, is a testament to his monumental contributions to knowledge, culture, and humanity”, the VC stated.

Professor Akinwumi thanked distinguished speakers and discussants, who had come from far and near to share their insights on the life, works, and intellectual legacies of the celebrant, adding that their participation enriches the discourse and reflects the depth of respect Professor Olu Obafemi commands across the academic world.

In a paper titled “Agurumo on the Cross: The Social Vision and Revolutionary Aesthetics of Olu Obafemi”, presented in honour of the celebrant by Professor Ayodele Anthony Bamidele of the Department of English, FUL, he described Professor Obafemi as an avowed realist who believes that there must necessarily be a homology between art and society.

He pointed out that the celebrant also believes that art must be made to run the chores of making society a better place for man to live in, noting that this belief has been his commitment in the entire gamut of his rich, dramatic tapestry.

“As a literary historian, he presents the historical evolution of his nation, Nigeria, with the aim of annihilating the Agurumos of our world for global peace and tranquility.

“What we have seen so far is Olu Obafemi’s offerings in his quest to end oppression and exploitation in our society by annihilating every form of Agurumo that makes life unbearable for the masses.

“We all know that it’s not yet Uhuru. His vision for his society has not been fulfilled yet. It is work in progress” Prof. Bamidele said.

Responding, Prof. Obafemi expressed his profound appreciation to the vice chancellor of Federal University Lokoja for organising the colloquium in his honour.

He expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the event saying “My joy knows no bounds seeing the overwhelming love and support shown to me today.”