Come witness the power, passion, and legacy of
Ìyálóde Ìbàdàn
live on stage — a story that must be seen to be remembered!
Venue
Wole Soyinka Arts Theatre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State
About The Stage Play
Iyalode Ibadan is a powerful and deeply evocative stage play inspired by the extraordinary life of Iyalode Efunsetan Aniwura, one of the most formidable women in Yoruba history. Set in 19th-century Ibadan — a booming military and commercial city in pre-colonial/colonial Yorubaland — the play revisits the rich legacy of Efunsetan, not just as a feared political figure, but as a visionary leader, trailblazing entrepreneur, and symbol of feminine power and resilience.
Though often remembered through narrow historical lenses, Iyalode Ibadan seeks to challenge the misconceptions and myths surrounding her life. Rather than portraying her as a ruthless and cruel figure — a narrative long fueled by colonial writers and dramatists — this production repositions her as a strategic leader, humanitarian, and social reformer who rose through the ranks in a male-dominated society to become Iyalode of Ibadan, the highest-ranking female chieftaincy title.
The play is more than a retelling of history; it is a cultural reawakening. It explores themes of power, womanhood, justice, identity, and leadership, drawing parallels between the socio-political realities of pre-colonial Yorubaland and our contemporary society. Through riveting storytelling, gripping dialogue in both Yorùbá and English, traditional music, costuming, and choreography, Iyalode Ibadan brings to life the vibrancy of Ibadan’s market squares, the tension of its political chambers, and the soul of a woman misunderstood by history.
This is not just a play. It is a cultural correction. A celebration of heritage. A reclamation of voice. Iyalode Ibadan promises to be an unforgettable artistic experience — bold, emotional, and fiercely relevant.
Director
Waheed Olamilekan is a theatre professional with over half a decade of experience. He’s the founder and creative director of Orolabi Productions. He has produced and directed over fifteen published plays from various authors, including Wole Soyinka, Femi Osofisan, and Kola Ogunsola, among others. Olamilekan has collaborated with different organizations and brands, such as Asido Campus Networks and Yorùbá Plus TV, bringing stage plays to life. He’s a seasoned broadcaster and creative content strategist based in Ibadan. Passionate about storytelling, culture, and meaningful conversations, he blends art and media to inspire, inform, and engage.
Producer
Ayo Adams is a Nigerian documentary filmmaker and multimedia storyteller who is passionate about creating impactful stories that reflect the human experience. He studied Performing and Film Arts at the University of Ilorin, where he developed a strong foundation in storytelling. He also holds a Masters degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Ibadan. In addition, he also did a fellowship on the business of film at the Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos. His work explores a range of socio-cultural themes, using documentaries, social experiments to communicate to diverse audiences.He is known for blending authenticity with creativity, using visual contents as tools to inspire change and spark meaningful conversations. He has worked with the Institute for French Research in Africa, Ubumuntu Arts Festival, Rwanda, The Centre for Collaborative Investigative Journalism, Yes FM Ibadan, UAC Foods, Guinness and more.
Production House
Founded on June 1st, 2017 by Rasaq Malik Gbolahan and Ibrahim Oredola, ÀTẸ́LẸWỌ́ Cultural Initiative is a dynamic socio-cultural organization committed to the preservation, revitalization, and promotion of the Yorùbá language and cultural heritage. Established out of a growing concern for the decline in indigenous language use and cultural disconnect among younger generations, ÀTẸ́LẸWỌ́ has grown into one of the most recognized and respected platforms driving a new wave of cultural consciousness across Nigeria and the diaspora. Our mission is to create platforms for cultural engagement, document indigenous knowledge systems, and reignite interest in Yoruba language, literature, and identity. We have remained consistent in delivering innovative, community-driven projects that make Yoruba culture more accessible, relatable, and celebrated.
Some of our key milestones include: Launching the first online Yoruba Literary Magazine, Organizing the Yoruba Literary and Cultural Conferences & Workshops, Instituting the ÀTẸ́LẸWỌ́ Prize for Yoruba Literature, Introducing the Ogbontarigi Project, Organizing the first-ever Yorùbá Book Auction on Twitter, Our collaborative spirit has led us to work with respected local and international institutions including Goethe Institut Nigeria, Wikipedia Nigeria, The Artivist NG, University of Ibadan, Yoruba Names, Building Nations Initiative, and the Yoruba National Community in Italy, among others.
Most recently, we launched the Yoruba Party brand—a vibrant cultural experience that blends traditional celebration with contemporary engagement, specifically designed to connect Millennials and Gen Zs with the living legacy of Yoruba culture.
As the Production House of Iyalode Ibadan, ÀTẸ́LẸWỌ́ brings not only cultural expertise but a track record of excellence, innovation, and community impact. This play is a continuation of our mission to tell our stories with dignity, depth, and authenticity—stories that speak to the soul of our people and the pride of our heritage.