The Department of Theatre Arts of Atiba University recorded another remarkable milestone as renowned Nollywood veterans, cultural icons, and traditional rulers showered praises on the institution and its pioneer graduating theatre arts students during the two-day final year stage performances held at the University Main Auditorium.
The historic cultural event attracted distinguished personalities from the Nigerian movie industry, academia, and traditional institutions. Notable dignitaries and veterans of the entertainment industry in attendance included veteran Nollywood actor Dele Odule, Ibrahim Chatta, Gbemi Faleti, Taiwo Ibikunle, Adewale Abdurasak (Sokoti), Ayo Ogunsina (Papalolo), Razak Olayiwola, Olayiwola Moroof (Ajanbadan/Ojopagogo), Biodun Latinwo Eleni, Yomi Duro Ladipo, Bukola Opeyemi, Adigun Monsuru, Helen Emagono, Ronke Ademola, Ewawumi Akinbiyi, and Segun Ayeni, among others.
His Royal Majesty, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye Olufayo II, the Oloro and Paramount Ruler of Oro Kingdom, also graced the occasion alongside four prominent chiefs from Oro Kingdom namely the Eesa of Oro Kingdom, Ologba of Oro Kingdom, Baale Sie Oro, and Baale Okerimi Oro.
The event also witnessed the presence of Bishop (Prince) Ayo Sanda Ladigbolu, who represented His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, further adding royal significance and cultural prestige to the occasion.
The performances, which featured the stage plays Ajagun Nla and Moremi Ajasoro, received widespread commendation from guests and theatre professionals who described the productions as outstanding, captivating, and professionally delivered.
Speaking during the event, Dele Odule stated that as a professional actor, he easily recognizes quality performances whenever he sees one. He praised the students for their exceptional performances on both days and equally commended the Founder and President as well as the Management of Atiba University for their investment in nurturing young talents within the creative industry.
Similarly, Gbemi Faleti noted that what the students displayed on stage was comparable to professional theatrical performances. He further remarked that by bringing together the crème de la crème of the Nigerian film industry, Atiba University Oyo had achieved a feat that many universities have not been able to accomplish. He encouraged the students by assuring them that the Nollywood industry eagerly awaits their arrival as emerging professionals.
Taiwo Ibikunle also expressed admiration for the students’ performances, revealing that he naturally lacks the patience to sit through plays or films that fail to sustain his interest. According to him, the fact that he remained captivated till the end of the productions was evidence that the students had delivered an exceptionally good performance.
Veteran actor and theatre icon Ayo Ogunsina (Papalolo), despite being 88 years old, also delivered words of encouragement to the students. He urged them to remain focused, disciplined, and dedicated to their craft while preserving the rich Yoruba cultural heritage through theatre and creative arts. He commended the university for giving young talents the opportunity to develop and showcase their creative potential on such an impressive platform.
In his remarks, Bishop (Prince) Ayo Sanda Ladigbolu, representative of Iku Baba Yeye, the Alaafin of Oyo, applauded the students for their remarkable performances and praised the Founder and President of Atiba University Oyo, James Adesokan Ojebode, PhD, JP, for promoting Yoruba culture, values, and history through theatre arts education in the university. He also specially commended the Vice Chancellor, Professor Sunday Olawale Okeniyi, the Acting Registrar and the entire management team for their hospitality, commitment, and support towards the successful hosting of the cultural event. According to him, their dedication and cordial relationship with guests contributed immensely to the warm atmosphere and overall success recorded during the programme. He further encouraged the students to remain good ambassadors of the institution and continue using drama and creative expressions as instruments for cultural preservation and societal development.
His Royal Majesty, Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye Olufayo II, in his remarks, drew remarkable similarities between the performances staged by the students and the internationally celebrated Asa Day cultural festival organized annually in Canada under his leadership. According to the royal father, the quality of cultural presentation, artistic coordination, promotion of Yoruba heritage, and the professionalism displayed by the students reflected the same cultural values and excellence projected during the Asa Day celebrations abroad. He commended the university for sustaining Yoruba cultural heritage through theatre arts and encouraged the students to continue using their talents to project African culture positively to the global community.
In his remarks, Yomi Duro Ladipo emotionally stated that he saw the spirit of his mother reflected in the student who played the role of Moremi Ajasoro. He further praised the students for carefully observing and learning from his teachings during his stay at the university last year for the production of Ogun Pepe, adding that they successfully translated those lessons into practical excellence on stage.
The Founder and President of Atiba University Oyo, James Adesokan Ojebode, PhD, JP, in his remarks, commended the graduating students for their dedication, creativity, discipline, and resilience throughout their academic and practical training. He encouraged them to remain focused and continue striving for excellence as they prepare to contribute meaningfully to the creative industry and society at large. In appreciation of their outstanding performances and commitment, the Founder announced cash gifts for the students and further approved scholarship opportunities for all the graduating Theatre Arts students to pursue their Master’s degree programmes at the university.
The Acting Registrar of the university, Oyepeju Ayomide Ogunseye, Esq., while speaking on the significance of the productions, gave insightful narratives on the two stage plays, Ajagun Nla and Moremi Ajasoro. According to her, the productions reflected the enduring values of bravery, sacrifice, patriotism, communal unity, and responsible leadership deeply rooted in Yoruba cultural history and African heritage. She commended the students and production team for successfully interpreting the historical themes with professionalism and artistic excellence.
The Coordinator of the Department of Theatre Arts, Mrs. Peju Ajibade, also expressed heartfelt appreciation to all royal fathers, Nollywood veterans, invited guests, parents, management staff, members of the university community, and supporters who honoured the invitation and contributed immensely to the success of the historic event.
The Vice Chancellor, on behalf of the entire management of Atiba University Oyo, equally expressed profound appreciation to all distinguished guests, theatre veterans, royal fathers, parents, and supporters who honoured the invitation and contributed to the success of the event. The university reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining excellence in theatre arts education, cultural preservation, and creative innovation, while continuing to produce graduates capable of making meaningful contributions to the Nigerian and global creative industries.
The event has further strengthened Atiba University’s growing reputation as a leading institution for arts, culture, creativity, and academic excellence in Nigeria.
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