Tomi Falade releases two new plays on Nigerian history

Tomi Falade, a Nigerian journalist and writer, has launched two new historical plays as she returns to storytelling.

Ms Falade’s books, Alayemore: The Twice-Crowned King and Orompotoniyun: 12 Nights For A Crown, are her third and fourth works.

The launch took place at The Tomi Falade Book Party 2.0: A Cocktail Affair, hosted by comedian Gbenga Adeyinka 1st at Cafe One in Ikeja.

The event saw family, friends, colleagues, literary lovers, media executives, and cultural advocates come together to celebrate Ms Falade’s effort to use drama to highlight African history.

Some of the notable guests at the launch included Babajide Fadiya, CEO of Baggage Support Services; Seun Oloketuyi from the Best of Nollywood Awards; Yemi Adebisi, Editor of Saturday Independent; Olumide Iyanda from QED Media; Muyiwa Kupoluyi; and Nollywood actor Jide Awobona.

Ms Falade’s latest works follow her debut play, Olobun: Matriarch of Ondo, Mother of Legacy, and her second book, Dates From Hell, a funny collection of short stories about modern relationships.

Her first play looks at 15th-century Yoruba history, focusing on the birth and exile of twins connected to Alaafin Oluaso and the rise of the Ondo Kingdom.

With her new plays, she explores two historical figures linked to the royal traditions of Ile-Ife and the old Oyo Empire.

The Twice-Crowned King focuses on Obalufon Alayemore, who is known as the third Ooni of Ile-Ife. His story is closely tied to the history of Efon Alaaye.

Both historical and oral traditions say that Alayemore's reign faced interruptions due to the rise of Oranmiyan.

After leaving Ile-Ife, Alayemore is linked to the founding of Efon Alaaye, where he set up a new royal line. When Oranmiyan left Ile-Ife, Alayemore was said to be called back to the throne, making his tale unique in Yoruba royal history.

His ties to both Ile-Ife and Efon Alaaye helped shape his reputation as a monarch whose life linked two kingdoms and royal stories.

Falade brings this history to the stage, imagining the talks, conflicts, desires, and feelings that may have come with these political events.

The second play, 12 Nights For A Crown, dives into the story of Ajiun Orompotoniyun, also known as Orompoto, from the old Oyo Empire.

Orompoto is remembered as the first woman to sit on the throne of the Alaafin of Oyo. She is linked to the 16th-century Oyo Empire, a time when the kingdom was gaining military and political power.

Her reign is also tied to military campaigns and the growth of Oyo’s cavalry tradition. Her story is one of the most notable examples of female power in pre-colonial Yoruba history.

According to Falade, Orompotoniyun: 12 Nights For A Crown is a blend of historical storytelling and creative writing, which she calls historical fiction.

At the launch, Falade shared that her interest in these stories comes from wanting to bring lesser-known African histories into modern talks.

"I’ve always loved stories, and I believe that Africa, Nigeria, and the Yoruba people have many stories no one is talking about. It’s time to own those stories and tell them proudly," she said.

Ms Falade also pointed out that her works are not to be seen as strict historical texts. She made it clear that her plays are fictional and not a historical thesis.

"My books are not the gospel truth. Let me be clear: my plays are works of fiction, not a historical thesis," she said.

She explained that she changed timelines, added modern elements, and heightened the drama to make the stories fit for the stage.

Falade encouraged readers who become curious about the historical figures in her books to consult royal historians, traditional custodians, and oral history experts for more information.

"I have only given readers a taste of these stories, and I believe a taste is enough to inspire interest," she added.

The launch included readings from both plays, with guests interpreting selected passages and characters.

There was also a stage performance where readers brought the texts to life with expressive delivery, character work, and spontaneous ad-libs, making the audience laugh and react.