Abuja Artistes Group Celebrates Dr. Onukaba Adinoyi Ojo Eight Years On
Mathew Eloyi
When theatre makers, writers, actors, producers, and other creatives from different walks of life gathered on Thursday, March 6, it was not to mourn but to celebrate the life and work of a great son of the soil, Dr. Onukaba Adinoyi Ojo. The event marked eight years since his tragic passing in a motor accident, and the atmosphere was filled with fond memories and reflections on his legacy.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Tunde Olusunle, a brother and close associate of the late playwright, reminisced about his relationship with the former Managing Director of Daily Times. He described Onukaba as “a man for the people,” recounting their years of collaboration and the deep impact Onukaba had in journalism, literature, and governance.
A highlight of the event was the panel session tagged “Art and Impact: The Onukaba Spirit”, moderated by Om’Oba Jerry Adesewo, whose Arojah Royal Theatre organized the event with the support of OurNigeria News Magazine and the Korean Cultural Centre. The session featured three Abuja-based theatre practitioners: Patrick Otoro, FTA, of Rivers of Water Productions; Esther Onukaba, FTA, of the University of Abuja; and Kayode Aiyegbusi, FTA, of NANTAP Abuja Chapter.
Throughout their discussion, one theme remained constant: Onukaba’s indomitable yet human nature, which set him apart and cemented his influence in media, governance, academia, and theatre. Patrick Otoro remarked, “There is no better way to know the man than to encounter his plays. The simplicity of language and structure, the carefully developed characters, and the humor sum up who he is.”
Sharing her experience, both as a former student and an actor in some of his plays, the immediate past Deputy President of NANTAP, Esther Onukaba, FTA, reflected on his mentorship and the depth of knowledge he imparted to his students. “He was a teacher who nurtured talent with patience, with a keen eye for the personal development of those around him.”
This position was corroborated by NANTAP Abuja Chairman, Kayode Aiyegbusi, FTA, who added that he was deeply influenced by Onukaba’s work and legacy. “If he was still alive in this eight years, I am sure there would have been many more plays from him, that speaks to the situation in the country and elsewhere,’ he added.
The event also featured readings from one of Onukaba’s plays, Ssoommaalliiyyaa, performed by Arojah Royal Theatre, starring Yahusahel Jackson, Etim Udoka, Osasuwa Ehibor, and Folashade Olafisoye. The play, an advocacy piece, captured Onukaba Ojo’s deep interest in development and societal transformation.
Attendees left inspired, with a renewed commitment to preserving his legacy through the continuous promotion of arts and culture in Nigeria and doing their best to contribute to society. Former President of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Mallam Denja Abdullahi, lamented what the people of Kogi State had missed in not having a humane and people-oriented person like Onukaba as governor of the North Central state.
The Director General of the Nigeria Copyright Commission, Dr. John Asein, commended the organizers of the event. “I am glad that we are celebrating this great icon. I find myself knowing him better sitting here listening to your testimonies. The fact that we are celebrating him today means that he made a huge impact in such a short time,” he said, adding that Onukaba is worth emulating.
Onukaba’s widow, Mrs. Memunat Ojo, experienced a mix of emotions throughout the event. However, when she had the chance to address the audience, she was all smiles as she reminisced about her beloved husband, highlighting some of his selfless qualities, which had been mentioned by most of the earlier speakers. “I thank you all for celebrating him. And I want you all to help appreciate Dr. Tunde Olusunle, who has been a rock of Gibraltar for the family. I thank you all for ensuring that his children have good memories of their father. This means a lot to us as a family.”
As the evening drew to a close, the consensus among the attendees was clear: Dr. Onukaba Adinoyi Ojo may be gone, but his legacy in literature, media, and theatre will continue to inspire generations to come. However, the event did not end until the participants set two targets aimed at immortalizing Dr. Onukaba Ojo: a theatre festival strictly based on his plays and a compendium of all his works in one volume.