Tomi Falade, a Lagos-based journalist has unveiled two historical plays, ‘Alayemore: The Twice-Crowned King’ and ‘Orompotoniyun: 12 Nights For A Crown’, following the successful release of her first two books, ‘Olobun: Matriarch of Ondo, Mother of Legacy.’
‘I’ve always loved stories and I believe that Africa, Nigeria, and by extension, the Yoruba people have a wealth of stories no one is talking about. I think it is time to begin to own those stories and tell them unashamedly,’ Falade stated, during the recent unveiling tagged, ‘The Tomi Falade Book Party 2.0; A Cocktail Affair.’
Falade, who described herself as a tool breathing life into history, transported the audience into the imagined conversations that may have taken place during the historical events that shaped the stories.
According to Falade, the comedic historical drama flips an Oyo empire story, making it part historical ‘faction,’ part Shakespearean chaos, by putting a spin on William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.
She added that her latest pursuit is reimagining history by bringing the unpopular stories into limelight. ‘My books are not gospel truth. Let me be clear: my plays are works of ‘faction’, not a historical thesis. I have taken deliberate creative liberties: shifting timelines, blending modern rhythms, and amplifying human drama, to create texts built for the stage.
‘I encourage people to consult royal bards and custodians of oral tradition for the exact stories and timelines when these works pique their interest. I have merely given readers a taste of these stories and I believe that a taste is all that is needed to spark interest,’ Falade stated.
‘Alayemore’ recounts the journey embarked on by Obalufon Alayemore, an Ooni of Ile-Ife, who was displaced by Oranmiyan, founded Efon Alaaye, and later returned to the throne following Oranmiyan’s departure, earning the distinction of being the twice-crowned king.
On the other hand, ‘Orompotoniyun’ revisits the story of the first and only woman to ever rule as Alaafin of the Oyo Empire, Ajiun Orompotoniyun.
Taye Ige, president/CEO, HS Media Group, stated that the author’s first two books reveal that she is not confined to one literary register. According to him, the author can explore the humorous complications of contemporary relationships in one work and then enter the demanding terrain of history, royalty, exile, identity and legacy in another.
‘Today’s presentation of two additional books confirms that her first outing was no literary accident. Tomi is steadily and deliberately building a distinct body of work. Four books within such a relatively short period represent not only talent but discipline, courage and remarkable creative productivity,’ Ige stated.