For over four decades, the name Babafemi Adeyemi Osofisan, the iconic playwright, poet, and critic known to the literary world as Okinba Launko, has shaped the landscape of African theatre.

A winner of the Nigerian National Order of Merit and the prestigious Thalia Prize, Emeritus Professor Femi Osofisan has trained generations of culture workers, actors, and leaders. On June 16, as the legendary dramatist stepped into the octogenarian club, the month long celebrations reached an electric, unforgettable climax with a grand command event produced by Choboi Hub.

The event, which served as the ultimate crown on the birthday festivities, was an initiative of Choboi Hub-led by Oluwasegun LAFUP Ogundipe, the popular comedian, actor, and an alumnus of the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Ibadan. A strong mentee and former student of the celebrant, Ogundipe spearheaded the project to keep his teacher’s vast legacy alive.

Funded entirely through a passionate fundraising drive by members of Choboi Hub, the night was a masterful tapestry of theatrical brilliance and nostalgic reunion. Performers, established actors, and theatre alumni traveled from all corners of the globe, turning the evening into a vibrant hub of international artistic celebration.

The air was thick with the spirit of gyration, the soulful, rhythmic campus chants familiar to generations of Ibadan theatre practitioners, as a mosaic of generations shared the stage. Tributes poured in from different theatre groups, alumni, and the staff and management of the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Ibadan.

In a beautiful display of continuity, secondary school children stood alongside the passionate UI theatre students and veteran performers to deliver gripping excerpts from Osofisan’s extensive repertoire of over 50 plays.

Among the artistic highlights of the month long tribute was a presentation of Who Tiff Monalisa?, directed by Debola Ogunsina at the Odunlade Centre. The main night was ultimately crowned by a breathtaking performance of Osofisan’s Medeeya, brought to life by the brilliant director, Dr Tunde Awosanmi, alongside his tireless cast and crew. Amid the cheers of family, lifelong friends, and legions of his former students, the icon cut his magnificent 80th birthday cake.

The Master himself recently remarked on the necessity of this exact gathering, stating that one must keep in touch with other generations to engage in dialogue with new people. Choboi Hub answered that call by formally initiating the Many Colours Award. Designed to extend the Professor’s legacy of supporting indigent students, the hub announced a 75 percent tuition fee sponsorship for four outstanding final year students who have shown great character and academic brilliance. The pioneering recipients of the Choboi Many Colours Award tuition grants were announced as Ifeoluwa Oluwaniran, Lekan Ogunsuada, Grace Ovu, and Aminat Olanrewaju.

Furthermore, special award ties named after Osofisan’s rich and numerous stage plays were presented to appreciate his many former students who are doing great in their respective fields. Among those recognized for their creative and academic works were Olanike Bennet Onimisi, a theatre director and lecturer at UI; Yemi Adebo, the Light and Tech Director at UI; Jeje Ibukun, a radio station manager; Folake Owolabi of Pan Atlantic University; and Thomas Odia, the acclaimed TV director of The Johnsons.

The seamless execution of this high octane event was driven 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.

Keeping the evening lively was the Master of Ceremonies, Dr Monsuru Olajide from the Theatre Department of Lead City University, Ibadan, also a former student of the celebrant, alongside the prolific Femi Sofowora who served as stage manager and producer.

Reflecting on the monumental success of the evening, the Lead of Choboi Hub, Oluwasegun LAFUP Ogundipe, expressed deep gratitude.

“We want to give our special thanks to Professor Mrs Osofisan, who has been the steady hand keeping our father stable to impact us for so long. Our profound appreciation also goes out to the entire Choboi Hub group, Dr Jide Adeyemi who flew in from the UK, and all our funders, especially Tuke Ọ̀ṣínáìkè.”

As the curtains fell, one thing became abundantly clear: the fire lit by Okinba Launko decades ago is burning brighter than ever. Long live the Master. Long live Okinba Launko.