By Oṣuọlale Oluwatomilayọ
In this era of beautiful theatrics, innovations have emerged aimed at educating, curbing unfairness in the community, and, above all, spreading awareness.
On June 22, 2025, Atelewo, at the Wole Soyinka Arts Theatre, University of Ibadan, hosted a stirring stage production of Ìyálóde Ìbàdàn, a dramatic adaptation of Akinwumi Isola’s historical classic, Efunsetan Aniwura. Directed by Waheed Olamilekan (Orolabi) and produced by Ayo Adams, the play proved to be more than a simple cultural reenactment; it was a layered theatrical experience that explored gender, politics, leadership, and societal contradictions through rich performance, vivid symbolism, and masterful stagecraft.
Synopsis and Context
Ìyálóde Ìbàdàn tells the story of Efunsetan Aniwura, the powerful Ìyálóde (a high-ranking female chief) in 19th-century Ibadan, who wielded enormous political and economic influence during a deeply patriarchal period. The play chronicles her rise to prominence and the tensions that followed her attempts to gain autonomy in a system rigged against female power. Based on real historical events, the narrative highlights her confrontations with the ruling male oligarchy and her internal conflicts as a woman of substance in a world that refuses to validate her authority.
Staging and Lighting as Storytelling Tools
One of the most compelling aspects of this production was the innovative use of lighting, which Olubunmi Familoni’s review on Facebook eloquently describes as “a most important person” in the play. Lighting was not merely functional, it was symbolic. From the onset, light and colour schemes were used to demarcate class divisions, express mood, and signal socio-political shifts. For instance, dim hues characterised moments of tension and betrayal, while vibrant lighting enhanced moments of unity and celebration.
At a critical moment in the play, lighting helped visualise the gender dichotomy that existed between the ruling men of the council (the “hawks”) and the pacifist ideology of the protagonist, Ìyálóde. This dichotomy was not simply rhetorical but brought to life through contrasting warm and cold lights. A theatrical decision that drove home the symbolic clash between aggression and wisdom, masculinity and femininity.
Direction and Performance
Waheed Olamilekan’s directorial choices were deft and intentional. He allowed the characters’ cultural identity and emotional depth to shine while embracing traditional Yoruba storytelling techniques such as chanting, drumming, and call-and-response. This interplay between contemporary theatre and indigenous performance aesthetics grounded the narrative in its cultural context while maintaining universal appeal.
The actress portraying Ìyálóde was riveting in her role, embodying power, grief, intellect, and vulnerability with precision. Her commanding presence on stage mirrored the historic might of Efunsetan herself, while the emotional breakdowns she experienced added layers of humanity often overlooked in historical retellings of female figures.
Supporting actors brought equal intensity to their roles. The members of the ruling council (Baloguns, Bashoruns, and chiefs) portrayed the duplicity of colonial-era politics with chilling realism. Their scenes of political debate, conspiracy, and false brotherhood were not only well-delivered but eerily reflective of contemporary political tensions in our wider society.
Themes and Symbolism
The play explored a broad spectrum of themes ranging from female agency, betrayal, loyalty, tradition vs. progress, and the abuse of power. The character of Ìyálóde stood as a metaphor for modern-day women in leadership, constantly navigating societal scepticism and male-dominated spaces.
Costumes and props were deeply symbolic. Ìyálóde’s regal attire evolved from majestic and colourful to stark and solemn as her downfall neared. The use of the traditional headgear (gele) as a marker of status and emotional state was particularly compelling; during high moments, it sat tall and proud, and in moments of despair, it sagged or was removed entirely.
Another notable theatrical device was the use of the chorus. Rather than being background characters, the chorus functioned like a Greek choir, providing insight, questioning morality, and driving communal sentiments. Their songs, ululations, and body language created an atmosphere that blurred the line between stage and reality.
Social Commentary
Ìyálóde Ìbàdàn served as both a historical dramatisation and a social commentary on power dynamics. The tensions between individual ambition and communal conformity were laid bare. The conflict between Ìyálóde and the council reflected larger societal issues of patriarchy, tradition, and resistance to change. Her ultimate isolation, despite her strength and loyalty to Ibadan, was a sombre reminder of how societies often punish women for refusing to conform to dictated traditions.
An observer’s perspective that the play “sets the pacifistic politics of the eponymous protagonist in sharp relief” captures the heart of the conflict. Ìyálóde’s politics of peace and dialogue clash tragically with the council’s politics of domination and suppression. This tension remains relevant in present-day governance and gender discourse.
Audience Reception and Cultural Significance
The audience at the Wole Soyinka Theatre responded with enthusiastic applause, audible gasps, and moments of hushed reverence. The performance resonated deeply with those familiar with the legacy of Efunsetan Aniwura, and for many younger viewers, it offered a reintroduction to a forgotten chapter of Yoruba and by extension, Nigerian history.
The decision to stage this play in Yoruba and at the cultural heartland of the University of Ibadan added layers of authenticity. The use of native idioms, proverbs, and praise poetry (oríkì) not only entertained but also educated, reviving oral history traditions in a modern theatrical form.
Ìyálóde Ìbàdàn was a triumph of stage storytelling. A masterful blend of history, politics, and performance art. It is a testament to the enduring power of indigenous narratives and the importance of preserving and reinterpreting them for modern audiences. With excellent acting, symbolic lighting, thoughtful direction, and cultural rootedness, the play not only honoured Efunsetan Aniwura’s legacy but also raised important questions about the roles of women, power, and tradition in African societies today.
