How Osundare, Maiwada, Ikeogu and Adigun Influences Adesewo’s ‘The Weight of Becoming’
By Matrhew Eloyi
When theatre practitioner and cultural advocate Om’Oba Jerry Adesewo publicly presented his poetry collection “The Weight of Becoming” in Abuja on March 5, 2026, the work immediately drew attention not only for its reflective depth, as clearly outlined bu the book reviewer, Mr. Oko Owoicho (Africa), but also for the literary traditions that appear to inform its structure and philosophy.
Observers immediately pointed to the influence of notable Nigerian poets Prof. Niyi Osundare, Ahmed Maiwada, and the late Ikeogu Oke, whose works have shaped contemporary poetic discourse in Nigeria. Their impact, however, is not stylistic imitation, but philosophical resonance—an alignment in depth, contemplation, and literary ambition.
Responding to questions about these influences, Adesewo acknowledged the connection.
“They are sure on point,” he said. “I also mentioned in my introduction how these three influenced the evolution of this work, including Seyi Adigun—not in the sense of shadowing their styles of writing, but being inspired by their philosophy and depth of thinking.”
Adesewo explained that ‘The Weight of Becoming’ underwent a significant transformation during its development. What began as 52 individual poems—each reflecting on stages of personal growth and reflection—was eventually reworked into a single extended poetic narrative.
“The Weight of Becoming was originally 52 individual poems, which I later reworked into a single epic poem in the mould of Heresiad and We Are Fish,” he noted.
The structural influence is particularly evident in the work’s thematic continuity. Much like Ikeogu Oke’s Heresiad and Ahmed Maiwada’s We Are Fish—both notable for their expansive, philosophical sweep—Adesewo’s poem unfolds as a sustained meditation on identity, responsibility, and the moral weight of self-realisation.
The philosophical grounding also echoes the tradition of Prof. Niyi Osundare, whose body of work has consistently emphasised poetry as both social conscience and intellectual inquiry. For Adesewo, that tradition helped shape the reflective tone of the poem.
How well he did this, and to what benefit would habe to be determined by readers and literary critics in rhe days and weeks to come, as the collection makes its way into the ever volatile Nigeria’s literary community.
While Adesewo is widely known for his contributions to theatre and cultural development through institutions such as Arojah Royal Theatre, The Weight of Becoming represents an important extension of his creative voice into literary expression.
The March 5 event, which also featured the presentation of his reflective work The Years of ME, formed part of activities marking his 50th birthday milestone, drawing writers, cultural figures, diplomats, and members of the creative community.
With The Weight of Becoming, Adesewo joins a growing circle of Nigerian cultural practitioners who are turning to literature to document the philosophical journeys behind their artistic lives—transforming personal reflection into public conversation.
