Oduduwa…..Voice of the Oracle on Edo, Yoruba
By WOLE BALOGUN
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
The relationship between Yoruba (Ile-Ife) and Edo (Benin) was the thematic preocupation of a historical play,Oduduwa staged recently at the Arts Theatre, University of Ibadan. Produced by Oracles Repertory Theatre and directed by Yemi Akintokun who is also artistic director of Oracles, the play was written by Jude Dada and supported by Broken Manacles, Canada.
Oduduwa as a historical play emanates from the tradition of political affiliation between the Yoruba and the Edo people. It relays how Oduduwa who was previously known as Ekaledhrah, hailed from Edo and escaped a cruel death sentence passed on him by his father, the Ogiso (King of Edo). Ekaledhrah later found himself in Ile-Ife where he deceived the Yoruba that he originated from Olodumare in heaven. He was later crowned king, thereby inheriting double royal inheritance from both the Edo and the Yoruba.
The Edos on Ezomo’s revelation sent Oliha, Ekaledhian’s childhood mate to persuade him to return to Edo to succeed his murdered father. But Oduduwa only agreed on the placation of his wife, Okanbi and his first son, Oranmiyan who indicated his willingness to rule Edo. Oranmiyan came to rule Edo but was confronted with the usual cruelty and stubbornness of the people. Uwafioko’s inordinate ambition to make his son an Ogiso drew him to wage war against Oranmiyan and he could have had his way but for the protection of Oduduwa.
Oranmiyan later returned to condemn the Edos leaving Owomika, his controversial son to rule Edo. The performance benefitted from the rich acting experiences of some Alumni of the Theatre Arts department such as Taiwo Ibikunle, (Oduduwa), Leye Fabusoro, (Oliha) Samson Adesiyan (Oranmiyan), Yemi Oladapo (Ezomo) as well as Sota Isio (Ivia) Ify Elekwachi; (Okanbi) and Oladele Akinseye (Uwafiokun)
However, the audience would have had a better interpretation of the play if the lighting designer had not lost concentration but what the production lost in lighting,it probably gained from the befitting and colourful costumes of the entire cast. Nevertheless, the director, Yemi Akintokun, deserves commendation for yet another bold attempt to keep the stage alive at Ibadan.