Nigerians mourn as renowned playwright, Wole Oguntokun, dies

Nigerian playwright, producer, director and culture advocate, Wole Oguntokun, has died at the age of 56. 

 

Oguntokun, who was also a lawyer, died in Canada on Wednesday, March 27.

 

Film director, Kayode Peters, shared the news on his Instagram page Thursday afternoon.

 

The post read, “I remember that year. I was just cutting my teeth as a professional theatre director. Your search for a director for your script brought you to the University of Lagos and I was your obvious choice.

 

“I directed your first-ever performance story ‘Who is Afraid of Wole Soyinka’ at various theatres including The prestigious Muson Centre which was graced by the great @wolesoyinkaofficial himself 

 

“Some months later, we started DBN TV’s first comedy series ‘Crossworld Blues’ which you produced and I directed. 

 

“You moved to Canada and never stopped encouraging me to follow suit. I lost a friend, a thespian all through and through, a great mind, a writer so gifted, so loved. Nigeria just lost one of her brightest and bravest.

 

“Is it a coincidence that you chose to leave on the day the world celebrated World Theatre Day?

 

 “This hurts so bad Wole. Laspapi, our own ojojo. I will miss you so so much. Thank you for trusting me with your work. A good man is gone. Rest well my friend, my brother Wole Oguntokun @laspapi” 

 

Born on July 15, 1967, late Wole Oguntokun held a position as a board member of Theaturtle, a Canadian theater company.

 

Before he relocated to Canada, he had created the annual Season of Soyinka, which is entering its 9th season. In each season, the plays of the Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, are staged at Terra Kulture in Lagos.

 

Nigerians have gone on various platforms too mourn him.

 

See below.