Iyalode Ibadan: A Stage Play Review By Olamide Adeniji 

Iyalode Efunsetan Aniwura, born in the 1790s, lost her parents at a tender age, an incident which contributed to her resolute character which was deemed by her peers to be hard-heartedness.

She became a successful trader of cash crops and slaves and she rose in fame to become the Iyalode of Ibadan after her second marriage took her from her native Egbaland to Ibadan.

The pre-conial Ibadan, was an agricultural city in old western region, Nigeria, which boasts a resplendent cultural heritage rooted in a rich tradition of art, music, and festivals. With a storied history spanning centuries, Ibadan is home to several schools and tourist attractions, including the Mapo Hall, Cocoa House, Bower’s Tower, and the University of Ibadan among others.

The original writer of the play, Prof. Akinwunmi Isola, a distinguished native of Ibadan, is a renowned Nigerian playwright, novelist, poet, and actor. He pursued his academic journey at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria. As one of the most prominent and influential African writers of his generation, Isola has left an indelible mark on the literary world. In 2000, in recognition of his immense contributions, he was awarded the National Merit Award and appointed a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters. He was also a visiting professor at the University of Georgia

With a prolific body of work comprising numerous plays, this article focuses on one of his notable works, “Efunsetan Aniwura: Iyalode Ibadan”, a testament to his literary prowess and deep connection to his roots in Ibadan.

Isola wrote his first play, Efunsetan Aniwura, during 1961-62 while still a student at the University of Ibadan. This was followed by a novel, O Le Ku.

In his version, Iyalode Efunsetan was a wealthy, childless chieftain in Ibadan, where Latoosa is the Aare. She has lands and slaves to till them until their backs are sore. An especially wicked woman; she beats her slaves black and blue for the smallest missteps and beheads them at will, especially if they dare to get pregnant.

However, on June 22, 2025 at the Wole Soyinka Arts Theatre, University of Ibadan, the play Iyalode Ibadan: the Stage play, directed by Waheed Olamilekan and produced by Ayo Adams, gave an insight into who Efunsetan Aniwura was, before the masculine-centric version of the revered Ibadan chief. This play explores key themes like cruelty, abuse of power, slavery, love, and collective justice. The central character, Efunsetan Aniwura, is a heroic woman and the second Iyalode in the history of pre-colonial Ibadan.

The production highlights Efunsetan’s resilience as a woman living in a patriarchal society, challenging the common historical belief that as an Iyalode, she had no value in decisions that had to do with Ibadan.

The stage setup was simple yet effective, featuring subtle lighting, chairs, Aare Latoosa’s Palace. The cast and crew of about 30 men delivered a lovely performance, with some members of the crew dedicated to drumming, and singing the theme song.

Temitope Agoro, skillfully portrayed the role of the lead female character, Efunsetan Aniwura. The intellectual script showcased impeccable use of Yoruba language and phonetics, engaging the audience with clever wordplay.

The actors’ interactions with the audience were inviting, drawing the viewers into the narrative. The actors outdid themselves in their roles, bringing depth and nuance to the story. The stage management and costumes were perfectly suited to the production, complementing the actors’ performances without distraction.

The stage play depicted the pleasant side of Efunsetan Aniwura, who supported Aare Latoosa and the chiefs of Ibadanland with guns, money and even slaves. She was a delight to the people of Ibadan, whom she gave money and food items to willingly. In fact, the opening scene of the play depicted two sides of actors: those ecstatically praising the Iyalode and the other side, wailing at the cruelty of the Iyalode. However, trouble started when Efunsetan Aniwura challenged Aare Latoosa and his chiefs, for taking decisions solely without her input, despite being the Iyalode. While the play explores the theme of female love, on one hand, it also explores the Iyalode’s high-handedness and wickedness. Efunsetan is represented as a woman of great means and authority who also enjoys a high status. She is an obinrin bi okunrin’ (a man’s equal). After losing her only daughter, she became bitter, hardened and cantankerous. She became a slave-owner, normative for the time, but she treated her slaves with harshness. Any female slave who gets pregnant risked instant death, on her order. The highlight of the story is the amorous relationship between two slaves, Itawuyi and Adetutu, which resulted in a pregnancy. In spite of pleas from various quarters that the pregnant slave be spared, Efunsetan still ordered her death. Efunsetan in this stage play was presented as a lovable woman, who then turned to be cruel and intemperate. Aare Latoosa, the head chief, intervenes to halt Efunsetan’s excesses.

One wonders why Prof. Akinwunmi Isola chose this negative and unsympathetic frame for Efunsetan Aniwura rather than the more sympathetic contemporary account by Ayo Adams.

I am glad that I made time to attend this adaptation. It was truly worth watching. I’m thankful to the organizers for their efforts in producing such a lovely play, though they could have offered it for free, after partnership with notable brands.

As a stage play enthusiast, I was naturally drawn to this production, but what made it even more compelling was the personal connection I share with the Ibadan, being my father’s hometown and my place of birth. I saw this as a chance to explore the city’s history and culture, and I’m delighted to have a deeper understanding and appreciation of who Efunsetan Aniwura is.

The play’s themes are still relevant today, emphasizing the need for fairness, equity, and justice. The performance features outstanding stage aesthetics, costumes, makeup, props, and lights, offering a unique experience for the audience.

Overall, “Iyalode Efunsetan” is an intelligent and inventive production that showcases extraordinary talent and storytelling. If you missed the June 22 performance, I recommend keeping an eye out for future productions.

Olamide Adeniji writes from Ibadan. He edits, and writes for OYO NEWS

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