This weekend, ‘Odigbose: The Play’, a dramatic and theatrical piece, will premiere in Lagos, taking drama lovers down memory lane as well as exciting them. Written by Wanle Akinboboye, the much-anticipated play is full of gripping sceneries, such that have never been put on live theatre before. From emotion-laden pain and brutality, hypocrisy and betrayals, as well as sufferings of immeasurable proportion, all lead to catharsis when the light finally fades.
The play, which recreates the history of the obnoxious slave trade, will take the centre stage at the Agip Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 7 pm. The play is a must-see because of its unique way of reliving and recasting the history of the slave trade as never before told or performed from the perspective of Nigerians. Through the historic and dramatic creation, Akinboboye, who is the founder and president of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, an investor and promoter of tourism, is inviting the world to feast on his innate creative ferment beyond the immersive experience that people savour from his promotion of authentic African-themed resorts.
Aptly described as “The first African account of the slave trade,” Odigbose is not just a play. It is a pilgrimage into the past; a mirror; a memory; theatre at its most profound and most honest, as well as an innovative form of entertainment and storytelling. Speaking on the rationale for the drama, Akinboboye explained that for centuries, the story of the transatlantic slave trade has been told by others.
But in ‘Odigbose ’, Africa is reclaiming its voice. “Africa tells its own story, in its own rhythm, with its own tears, with its own truth and with its author, director, cast and crew and within its hallowed soil,” he said. The production promises a deeply moving, visually arresting and emotionally riveting theatrical experience that will transport audiences into the heart of one of Africa’s most painful yet defining chapters.
Through powerful dramatic performances, haunting chants, soul-stirring music, dance and storytelling, the play will portray the enslavement and captivating and profound inhuman treatment of Africans by Europeans. It encompasses various degrees of pain and suffering ever seen and recorded in human history, ranging from beating to stupor, chaining, prolonged agony and forced transportation of Africans.
A production of Atunda Entertainment, an outfit of Akinboboye dedicated to musical and theatre productions, the play will employ the full African theatrical elements, including artistry, dance, music and choreography and colours, as well as profound oratory, to tell the story and treat the audiences to the best of African live theatre. In the midst of the deprivations and ill-treatment, what comes to the fore is the profound human resilience, courage, spirit and unbroken soul of a people – Blacks.
More than entertainment, ‘Odigbose’ is an encounter with history, with identity and heritage. It invites the audience to reflect on the human cost of slavery, its enduring scars, and more importantly, the strength of the African spirit that survived it. Through the historical narrative, ‘Odigbose’ also seeks to awaken a deeper appreciation of African history among all generations, especially the younger ones, reminding everyone that to know where we are going, we must never forget where we have been.
It is a call to preserve historical memory, to honour ancestors, and to celebrate the indomitable African heritage that no chain could ever break. The premiere is expected to attract royalty, theatre enthusiasts, cultural ambassadors, historians, scholars, captains of industry, members of the diplomatic community and lovers of authentic African stories. Related News Sanitation SMEs get N24m grants as 11 lenders develop financing products When funding your child’s future puts your own at risk Elon Musk unveils Tesla Roadster, a flying car Advertisement Share
