The day ‘Afonja’, the Aare-Ona-Kakanfo of Yoruba land was staged will remain memorable for parents, guests, staff, and students of God’s Blessing Group of Schools, Yemetu, Ibadan. This took place at the recently concluded Valedictory Service in honour of its graduating students of the 2017/18 academic session.
Guests were treated to a rendition of heart throbbing songs from the school’s Mass choir and beautiful display from the cultural troupe as well as a mind-blowing performance by the school’s choreography group. But the height of it all was the colourful, dramatic and heart-rending display showcased in the staging of the epic drama ‘Afonja’.
Written by Sakky Jojo, of Bayero University, Kano and directed by Mr. Samson Akapo of the University of Ibadan, students gave an intriguing display and interpretation of the play’s characters. The hour-long performance featured 74 cast and 15 crew members, who held the spectators spell bound.
The play was divided into two halves; Ndaw Esio played Afonja in the first half and had a role swap with Adebayo Ayomide, after the play’s narrator called for the role swap. Akinbo Oluwatise, who starred as Alaafin Aole stood out for his performance. During the scene of the death of Aalafin Aole tears rolled freely from the eyes of some spectators, making others give a resounding ovation as the Alaafin bowed out bravely in death.
Barrister Sharafadeen A. Sanni, who represented the Author, Sakky Jojo, in his address to guests and students, expressed profound gratitude that ‘Afonja’ was staged by God’s Blessing Group of Schools. He also commended the playwright and Director for the students’ brilliant and impressive performance. According to him, the students of the school successfully brought ‘Afonja’ alive again.
Sanni encouraged the students and promised to donate a trophy to the school for competitions and sports development, most especially in the game of Volley ball. The Cup, he said, shall be named Afonja Cup.
The Director of the school stated that God’s Blessing Group of Schools is committed to promoting cultures by staging epic plays. He added that plays such as Moremi, Langbodo, Queen Amina, Ogbori Elemosho, Farewell to the Cannibal Rage, and Twingle Twangle have been staged in the past.
