Renowned Nigerian playwright and theatre director, Wole Oguntokun, has passed away at the age of 56.
The news of his demise was shared by his close friend and film director, Kayode Peters, who expressed deep sorrow over the loss.
Peters took to his Instagram page on Thursday afternoon to mourn the departure of the artistic director of Theatre Planet Studios, describing Oguntokun as one of Nigeria’s brightest and bravest individuals.
Recalling their journey together, Peters reminisced about their collaboration on various projects, including the groundbreaking production ‘Who is Afraid of Wole Soyinka,’ which was performed at prestigious venues such as the Muson Centre, graced by the presence of the renowned Wole Soyinka himself.
Despite Oguntokun’s relocation to Canada, Peters noted that his friend continued to inspire and support his career, demonstrating unwavering dedication to the craft of theatre.
Reflecting on their shared experiences, Peters expressed profound grief at the loss of a friend, actor, and gifted writer, whose contributions to the Nigerian theatre scene were immeasurable.
He also mentioned the poignant timing of Oguntokun’s death, which coincided with World Theatre Day, emphasising the lasting impact of his legacy.
“I remember that year, I was just cutting my teeth as a professional theatre director, and 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 the great Wole Soyinka himself graced.”
He said despite the relocation of the late newspaper columnist to Canada, he never ceased to inspire his career.
“Some months later, we started DBN TV’s first comedy series, ‘Crossword Blues,’ which you produced and I directed. I lost a friend, an actor all through and through, a great mind, a writer so gifted, so loved.
“Is it a coincidence that you chose to leave on the day the world celebrated the world theatre day? Laspapi, our Jojo, I’ll miss you so much,” he said.
At the time of reporting, details regarding the cause of Oguntokun’s death and the circumstances surrounding it remain undisclosed.
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