Nigerian journalist Tomi Falade releases two historical plays revisiting African history

Nigerian journalist and writer Tomi Falade has launched two new historical plays, marking her return to storytelling. Her latest works, "Alayemore: The Twice-Crowned King" and "Orompotoniyun: 12 Nights For A Crown," are her third and fourth books, respectively.

The book launch event, titled "The Tomi Falade Book Party 2.0: A Cocktail Affair," was hosted by comedian Gbenga Adeyinka 1st at Cafe One in Ikeja. The gathering included family, friends, colleagues, literary figures, media executives, and cultural advocates, all celebrating Falade's dedication to using drama to explore African history.

Falade's previous works include the play "Olobun: Matriarch of Ondo, Mother of Legacy," which delved into 15th-century Yoruba history surrounding the birth and exile of twins and the rise of the Ondo Kingdom. Her second book, "Dates From Hell," is a collection of humorous short stories about modern relationships.

With her new plays, Falade shifts her focus to the royal traditions of Ile-Ife and the old Oyo Empire. "The Twice-Crowned King" centers on Obalufon Alayemore, the third Ooni of Ile-Ife, whose story involves a reign interrupted by Oranmiyan, leading to his association with the founding of Efon Alaaye before being recalled to the Ife throne. The play imagines the personal and political dynamics of this unique royal history.

"12 Nights For A Crown" transports readers to the 16th-century Oyo Empire to recount the story of Ajiun Orompotoniyun, known as Orompoto, who is remembered as the first woman to hold the title of Alaafin of Oyo. The play explores her reign during a period of significant military and political consolidation for the kingdom.