President Bola Tinubu has congratulated renowned playwright, poet, novelist and scholar, Mr Femi Osofisan, on his 80th birthday, describing him as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished intellectuals whose works have consistently championed social justice and national rebirth.
In a statement personally signed on Monday, June 15, the President lauded Mr Osofisan’s enduring contributions to literature, theatre arts and academia, noting that the emeritus professor has devoted his life to addressing societal challenges through his creative works.
President Tinubu said the literary maverick exemplifies the rare combination of talent, dedication and service, adding that the celebrated writer has enriched Nigeria’s cultural and intellectual landscape through decades of scholarship and artistic excellence.
“Few men live in the full expression of the abundance of their talents. Professor Babafemi Adeyemi Osofisan is one of those incredibly brilliant individuals who have blessed our world with their creativity,” the President said.
Mr Osofisan is known for some of his works, which include Behind the Ballot Box (1967), Oduduwa Don’t Go! (1968), A Restless Run of Locusts (1975), The Chattering and the Song (1976), Who’s Afraid of Solarin? (1978), Once Upon Four Robbers (1980), Morountodun (1983), Esu and the Vagabond Minstrels (1991), Aringindin and the Nightwatchmen (1992), Yungba-Yungba and the Dance Contest (1993), The Album of the Midnight Blackout (1994), Tegonni: An African Antigone (1999), Reel Rwanda! (1996), and Women of Owu (2006), among others.
In prose fiction, Osofisan authored Kolera Kolej (1975), Cordelia (1989), Ma’ami, Abigail, and Pirates of Hurt. As a poet writing under the pseudonym Okinba Launko, he published notable collections such as Minted Coins (1987), Dream-Seeker in Divining Chain (1993), and Pain Remembers, Love Rekindles (2001).
The President highlighted Mr Osofisan’s distinguished career as a playwright, poet, novelist, teacher, scholar and newspaper columnist, noting that his works have consistently called for moral reawakening and social transformation.
President Tinubu recalled that Mr Osofisan, a native of Erunwon in Ogun State, attended Government College, Ibadan, before studying French at the University of Ibadan and later pursuing graduate studies at the Sorbonne in Paris.
He also acknowledged the literary icon’s long academic career at the University of Ibadan, where he rose through the ranks and retired as a professor, as well as his international recognition, including the prestigious Thalia Prize awarded to him in 2016 for his contributions to theatre arts.
“I warmly congratulate this literary colossus as he turns 80 on June 16. His life and accomplishments are a demonstration of service, dedication, and hard work,” Tinubu stated.
The President further commended Osofisan’s “enormous contributions to scholarship and the theatre arts” and his “consistent advocacy for a national rebirth,” describing him as “one of our nation’s finest minds.”
“As Professor Osofisan celebrates this milestone, I join his family, friends, and the literary community in wishing him excellent health and praying that his fount of wisdom continues to flourish,” the President added.