Olokun Theatre Enthusiasts Debut Oseremagbo, Spotlighting Slavery, Power, and Yoruba Mythology

Nafisat Oluwabukola Usman 

The Olokun Theatre Enthusiasts staged their newest production, Oseremagbo, at the University of Ilorin’s Performing Arts Theatre on the 2nd of December, 2025, drawing a full house and renewed interest in campus theatre. The play, written and directed by Olalekan Omowonuola, explores slavery, abuse of power, and resistance through the lens of Yoruba mythology. The production featured a mixed cast of students and non-students of the university.

Speaking after the performance, Omowonuola said the story was born out of a long-standing desire to interrogate slavery in a culturally grounded way. “I wanted to tell a slavery story,” he explained. “But I needed more than just art for art’s sake. There was a need to situate the theme and make it relevant.” Situating it within Yoruba mythology—especially around Obatala Oseremagbo—the cast was able to deliver an astounding performance rooted deeply in the ills of our society.

Omowonuola, who has worked in theatre for 15 years and founded Olokun Theatre Enthusiasts five years ago, said the research process shaped the final script. “Consciously or unconsciously, African writers do not write in a vacuum.” Omowonuola reinstated that he hadn't been intending to write a story that deeply expressed the society’s ongoing situation, but along the line, the story formed into place, giving it depth and relevance. “There was no better time to tell the story than now.”

The production faced typical challenges—especially funding and limited theatre spaces—with Omowonuola financing most of the project through personal funds and support from friends. Despite these hurdles, the play was well received. Audience members reacted loudly during the climactic scene where the enslaved characters revolt after invoking the Orishas—a moment the director described as “priceless.”

Cast members also reflected on their experience.

Kolade Uthman, who played Onibode, said the script drew him in from the first reading. “It was already interesting before we even started rehearsals,” he said. “My role required humour and wickedness at the same time, so I had to bring two sides of myself.”

Another cast member, Ibrahim Maryam Damilola, a student of the faculty of art, university of Ilorin, who played the Iyalode and the lead witch, said the role pushed her outside her comfort zone. “Acting was new to me because I usually dance,” she said. “I had to study how an Iyalode behaves. It taught me how much our traditions influence our stories.” She added that productions like Oseremagbo help correct misconceptions about Yoruba culture: “People think Osun wears white, but yellow is actually the major colour. Theatre helps us learn these things.”

Omowonuola believes the group’s annual productions are helping revive theatre culture on campus and beyond. “Theatre is coming back to life,” he said. “We’ve staged a major play every year for five years. At Olokun Theatre, our effort at this rejuvenation is obvious to everyone. We’re not slowing down.”

When asked what his future plans in theater are, he said the long-term vision is expansion beyond Ilorin. “Olokun Theatre is going global soon. We’ll keep delivering quality stage plays so people see theatre as a powerful tool for society.”