Following the successful release of her first two books, ‘Olobun: Matriarch Of Ondo, Mother Of Legacy’, a play, selected as a Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards pick in 2025, and her sophomore work, ‘Dates from Hell’, a collection of short, hilarious stories exploring the complexities of modern dating, journalist and writer Tomi Falade has returned with two historical plays, ‘Alayemore: The Twice-Crowned King’ and ‘Orompotoniyun: 12 Nights For A Crown’.
The books were unveiled at an intimate book party. Tagged The Tomi Falade Book Party 2.0; A Cocktail Affair, the event was hosted by Gbenga Adeyinka D1st at Cafe One, Ikeja.
There, family, friends, colleagues, literary enthusiasts and well-wishers gathered for readings from the plays, conversations with the author, and a celebration of her latest contribution to historical storytelling.
Falade, who described herself as a tool breathing life into history, transported the audience into the imagined conversations that may have taken place during the historical events that shaped the stories.
‘Alayemore’ recounts the journey embarked on by Obalufon Alayemore, an Ooni of Ile-Ife, who was displaced by Oranmiyan, founded Efon Alaaye, and later returned to the throne following Oranmiyan’s departure, earning the distinction of being the twice-crowned king.
‘Orompotoniyun’ revisits the story of the first and only woman to ever rule as Alaafin of the Oyo Empire, Ajiun Orompotoniyun.
The high-stakes, comedic historical drama puts a spin on William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. It flips an Oyo Empire story, making it part historical ‘faction,’ part Shakespearean chaos.
Speaking at the event, Tomi Falade explained that her latest pursuit is reimagining history, bringing the unpopular stories into limelight.
“I’ve always loved stories and I believe that Africa, Nigeria, and by extension, the Yoruba people have a wealth of stories no one is talking about. I think it is time to begin to own those stories and tell them unashamedly,” she said.
On how much creative liberties she takes with her stories, she added, “My books are not gospel truth. Let me be clear: my plays are works of ‘faction’, not a historical thesis. I have taken deliberate creative liberties: shifting timelines, blending modern rhythms, and amplifying human drama, to create texts built for the stage. I encourage people to consult royal bards and custodians of oral tradition for the exact stories and timelines when these works pique their interest. I have merely given readers a taste of these stories and I believe that a taste is all that is needed to spark interest.”
Judging by the audience’s reaction, Falade’s retellings of history blended humour with dramatic yet relatable characters, making the plays as entertaining as they were enlightening. With readings from familiar faces, the session was marked by an air of camaraderie, leaving room for the readers to dramatise the lines and incorporate ad-libs into their performances.
The well-attended launch drew notable figures including Prince Bamidele Jonathan Olagunju, Vice President of the Efon Alaaye Development League (EDL); Taye Ige, President/CEO of HS Media Group; Efe Omorogbe, Founder of Buckwyld Media Network; and Babajide Fadiya, CEO of Baggage Support Services.
Others include Seun Oloketuyi, BON Awards; Yemi Adebisi, Editor Saturday Independent; Olumide Iyanda, QED Media; Muyiwa Kupoluyi; and Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Jide Awobona, among others.
In his remarks, Taye Ige, President/CEO of HS Media Group stated that “placed side by side, Tomi Falade’s first two books reveal that she is not confined to one literary register. She can explore the humorous complications of contemporary relationships in one work and then enter the demanding terrain of history, royalty, exile, identity and legacy in another. What unites both works is her fascination with real human experience and her ability to discover the extraordinary story hidden within it.
“Today’s presentation of two additional books confirms that her first outing was no literary accident. Tomi is steadily and deliberately building a distinct body of work.
“Four books within such a relatively short period represent not only talent but discipline, courage and remarkable creative productivity.”
In his talk during a panel session at the event, anchored by Gbenga Bada, Prince Olagunju underscored the importance of intimating children with their places of origin, language, and culture.
He explained that this would ensure that such children would not lose touch with their roots, but become cultural ambassadors and torchbearers of their people in the generations to come.
The panel’s position was further broadened when Efe Omorogbe insisted that the problem was bigger than many realise, that it was important to systemically source out the root of why this was happening.
Falade was also commended by all for her role in preserving Yoruba history, particularly for the next generation of readers who may not have the opportunity to learn these stories through the oral storytelling tradition that passed them from one generation to the next.
