Lifestyle

Festus Iyayi: The Fearless Voice of Justice and Literature in Nigeria

Published

3 months ago

October 23, 2025

Remembering Festus Iyayi — the writer, academic, and activist whose pen and principles reshaped the struggle for education and social equity in Nigeria.

Early Life and Background

Festus Iyayi was born in 1947 in Ugbegun, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Coming from a modest background, Iyayi’s early life was shaped by a deep sense of community and resilience. His family valued education and hard work — values that later inspired his intellectual pursuits and activism. Growing up during Nigeria’s postcolonial years, he witnessed social and political inequalities that would later fuel his commitment to justice and reform.

Education and Academic Career

Iyayi began his formal education in Edo State and demonstrated exceptional brilliance from an early age. He proceeded to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in Economics. His academic excellence earned him a scholarship to study abroad, leading him to the United Kingdom, where he earned both his Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Industrial Relations.

Upon returning to Nigeria, Iyayi joined the University of Benin as a lecturer in the Department of Business Administration. There, he quickly became known not only as a gifted teacher but also as a principled academic who stood for fairness, transparency, and the right of lecturers and students to quality education.

ASUU Leadership and Activism

Festus Iyayi’s name became synonymous with academic activism when he rose to become the President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the 1980s. During his tenure, he championed the struggle for university autonomy, better working conditions for lecturers, and improved funding for Nigerian universities.

His activism put him at odds with military governments, particularly under General Ibrahim Babangida, who saw ASUU’s demands as a threat to the regime’s authority. Iyayi was arrested, detained, and later dismissed from his academic position for his activism. However, his courage never wavered. After the return to civil rule, he was reinstated at the University of Benin, where he continued teaching and mentoring younger scholars.

Iyayi’s leadership style was characterised by integrity and sacrifice. He believed that education was the backbone of national development and that intellectuals had a moral duty to speak against injustice.

A Voice in Literature

Beyond activism, Festus Iyayi made his mark as one of Nigeria’s most respected literary figures. His novels reflected the struggles of ordinary Nigerians against corruption, inequality, and political oppression.

His debut novel, Violence (1979), explored class divisions and the exploitation of the poor. The Contract (1982) critiqued the greed and corruption that defined public office. However, it was Heroes (1986) that earned him international acclaim. The novel, set during the Nigerian Civil War, examined heroism and betrayal in the context of political and personal conflict. Heroes won the prestigious Commonwealth Writers’ Prize (Africa Region) in 1988, cementing Iyayi’s status as a literary powerhouse.

Through his works, Iyayi became a literary conscience for Nigeria, using fiction to expose social ills and demand accountability. His writing style — rich, honest, and unflinchingly political — continues to inspire both readers and writers across generations.

Tragic Death

On November 12, 2013, Festus Iyayi died in a tragic car accident along the Lokoja–Abuja highway while travelling to Kano for an ASUU National Executive Council meeting. His death shocked the nation and drew widespread mourning across Nigeria’s academic and literary communities.

Reports indicated that his vehicle was hit by a convoy belonging to the Kogi State governor, a tragedy that reignited conversations about reckless driving by government convoys and disregard for citizens’ safety. His death became symbolic — a man who lived his life fighting for justice lost it to the very system he sought to reform.

Legacy and Impact

Festus Iyayi’s legacy remains profound. As a writer, he gave voice to the voiceless; as an academic, he defended truth and intellectual freedom; and as an activist, he embodied courage and selflessness.

His novels remain part of Nigeria’s secondary and tertiary education syllabuses, serving as timeless reminders of his belief in justice and equality. The Academic Staff Union of Universities continues to honour his memory as one of its most fearless and visionary leaders.

Festus Iyayi lived a life of purpose and conviction. His pen challenged oppression; his voice defended education; and his actions reflected his belief that true change begins with courage. More than a writer or unionist, he was a symbol of resistance and hope — a man who proved that integrity can outlive power.

In the words of his colleagues, “Festus Iyayi did not just teach the truth — he lived it.”

References:

Vanguard News Nigeria, “Festus Iyayi: The Writer Who Died for a Cause” (2013)

The Guardian Nigeria, Obituary Archive (2013)

University of Benin Academic Records

Commonwealth Writers’ Prize Archives

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 340

Lifestyle

Ìwòyè-Kétu: The Yoruba Town That Spans Two Nations and Lives by Ancient Taboos

Published

11 hours ago

January 31, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Ìwòyè-Kétu is one of the most remarkable Yoruba communities in West Africa, not only for its deep-rooted traditions but also for its unique geopolitical identity. The ancient town straddles two modern nation-states—Nigeria and the Republic of Benin—yet remains culturally, spiritually, and traditionally unified as one Yoruba settlement.

A Town Without Borders in Spirit

Geographically, Ìwòyè-Kétu is primarily located in Imeko/Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria, while its western section lies across the international boundary in the Republic of Benin. This border, imposed during the colonial partition of Africa, cuts through the town but has failed to divide its people.

Families live on both sides of the boundary, speak the same Yoruba dialect, observe the same customs, and recognise one traditional authority. Daily life reflects this dual reality: residents freely transact using both the Nigerian naira and the West African CFA franc, depending on location and convenience.

Unified Kingship Across Nigeria and Benin

Despite existing in two countries, Ìwòyè-Kétu is governed traditionally by one paramount ruler. The recognised monarch is:

His Royal Majesty Oba (Sir) Isaac Adegbenro Oyero,
the Ooye of Ìwòyè-Kétu, also styled Adekilúrójú – Ada Páàkó II.

His authority is acknowledged by the community on both sides of the border, making Ìwòyè-Kétu a rare example of a binational Yoruba town under a single royal institution.

Origins in Ile-Ife

According to Yoruba oral tradition, Ìwòyè-Kétu was founded by Olúmu (or Olómù), a legendary migrant from Ilé-Ifẹ̀, the spiritual homeland of the Yoruba people. Like many Yoruba settlements, its founding narrative emphasises migration from Ife, reinforcing the town’s ancient roots within the broader Yoruba civilisational story.

Ìwòyè-Kétu forms part of the historic Kétu region, once a powerful Yoruba kingdom before European colonial boundaries fragmented it between British-ruled Nigeria and French-ruled Dahomey (now Benin).

Sacred Taboos That Still Govern Daily Life

Ìwòyè-Kétu is widely known for its strict traditional prohibitions, which continue to be enforced by custom and belief:

Use of umbrellas is strictly forbidden anywhere within the town.

Rearing pigs is prohibited, and pork is traditionally avoided.

In some oral accounts, digging wells is either forbidden or tightly regulated.

These taboos are believed to be tied to ancestral covenants, spiritual agreements, and the town’s founding myths. Violations are traditionally thought to invite misfortune, reinforcing collective adherence across generations.

Language, Culture, and Continuity

Despite the Nigeria–Benin divide, Ìwòyè-Kétu remains culturally seamless. Yoruba language, customs, festivals, and lineage systems are shared. The town stands at a linguistic crossroads where English and French meet administratively, but Yoruba remains dominant socially and spiritually.

A Living Example of Pre-Colonial African Unity

Ìwòyè-Kétu exemplifies how pre-colonial African societies continue to transcend modern borders. Long before Nigeria or Benin existed, the town functioned as a single cultural entity—and it still does.
In an era where borders often define identity, Ìwòyè-Kétu reminds us that history, tradition, and shared ancestry can be stronger than lines drawn on maps.

Sources

Yoruba oral traditions and local historical accounts of Ìwòyè-Kétu

Ogun State local government and cultural heritage records (Imeko/Afon LGA)

Nigerian media reports and cultural features on Ìwòyè-Kétu’s taboos and binational status

Community welcome signage and local testimonies

Cross-border Yoruba history of the Kétu Kingdom (Nigeria–Benin)

Lifestyle

Emotan; The Benin Heroine (PHOTOS)

Published

11 hours ago

January 31, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Throughout history, in every culture around the world, extraordinary women have pushed society to think bigger, move forward and create.

Emotan is a glowing example of boundless courage and world-changing ingenuity.

Emotan a market woman, single-handedly raised an army and overthrew the illegal regime of Oba Uwaifiokun who usurped his brother and conspired with his chief to kill King Ewuare.

She protected Oba Ewuare in her hut and showed him kindness when he was trying to reclaim his throne back.

Emotan helped install Oba Ewuare the Great, who was the most outstanding Oba in the ancient Benin Kingdom around 1440AD.

Eventually, when Oba Ewuare regained his throne, Emotan became the King’s favourite citizen.

Moreso, her kindness wasn’t restricted to the Oba alone, history tells us that Emotan converted her hut to a crèche to help nursing mothers who patronized her or came to the market for other things.

At that time, her daycare centre was popular in Benin and it can be said authoritatively that she started the first-day care centre in Benin.

After her death, her body was buried at the Oba market at the exact spot where she sold her goods. A tree was planted on her grave and she is being worshipped as the mother of love and kindness

Source: Benin achive

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 28

Lifestyle

Michael Adekunle Ajasin (1908–1997): Scholar, Educationist, and Statesman of Principle

Published

12 hours ago

January 31, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Michael Adekunle Ajasin remains one of the most respected figures in Nigeria’s political and educational history, remembered for his intellectual depth, personal integrity, and unwavering commitment to democratic ideals and public education.

Born on 28 November 1908 in Owo, present-day Ondo State, Ajasin’s early life was shaped by discipline, learning, and service. He attended St. Andrew’s College, Oyo between 1924 and 1927, one of the foremost teacher-training institutions in colonial Nigeria. After qualifying as a teacher, he worked in the profession for several years, laying the foundation for what would become a lifelong dedication to education.

In 1943, Ajasin gained admission to Fourah Bay College, Sierra Leone, then one of the most prestigious higher institutions for Africans in British West Africa. He graduated in June 1946 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, Modern History, and Economics. Determined to deepen his professional competence, he proceeded to the Institute of Education, University of London, where he obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Education in June 1947.

Family Life

Ajasin married Babafunke Tenabe, also a teacher, on 12 January 1939. Their marriage produced four children—two sons and two daughters. One of his daughters, Mrs Olajumoke Anifowoshe, distinguished herself in public service, becoming Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State, further reflecting the family’s strong tradition of civic engagement.

Educational Leadership

On 12 September 1947, Michael Adekunle Ajasin was appointed Principal of Imade College, Owo. His tenure was marked by visionary leadership and an aggressive staff development programme. Notably, he facilitated opportunities for teachers to pursue further training at University College, Ibadan, at a time when such advancement was rare.

See also Professor Toyin Omoyeni Falola

In December 1962, Ajasin left Imade College to establish Owo High School, where he served as founder, proprietor, and first principal from January 1963 to August 1975. Under his leadership, the school earned a reputation for academic excellence and discipline, reinforcing his belief that education was the most effective instrument for social transformation.

Political Thought and Early Activism

Ajasin was deeply involved in Nigeria’s nationalist and pre-independence politics. In 1951, he authored a policy paper that later became the education blueprint of the Action Group (AG), boldly advocating free education at all levels. This proposal would later be implemented in Western Nigeria under Chief Obafemi Awolowo and remains one of the most impactful social policies in Nigerian history.

He was among the founders of the Action Group, a party whose ideology centred on immediate independence from Britain, universal healthcare, and the eradication of poverty through sound economic planning. During the 1950s, Ajasin served as National Vice President of the Action Group.

Legislative and Local Government Service

Ajasin’s political career expanded steadily. He became an elected ward councillor, then Chairman of Owo District Council, which covered Owo and surrounding communities such as Idashen, Emure-Ile, Ipele, Arimogija, Ute, Elerenla, and Okeluse.

In 1954, he was elected to the Federal House of Representatives in Lagos, serving as a federal legislator until 1966, when military rule interrupted Nigeria’s First Republic. His years in parliament were characterised by advocacy for education, regional development, and constitutional governance.

Return to Politics and Governorship

In 1976, Ajasin became Chairman of Owo Local Government. With the return to civilian rule, he joined the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), the ideological successor to the Action Group.

In 1979, he was elected Governor of Ondo State, with Akin Omoboriowo as his deputy. His administration prioritised education, rural development, and fiscal discipline. However, political tensions emerged when Omoboriowo defected to the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and contested the 1983 gubernatorial election against him. Although Omoboriowo was initially declared winner, the results were later annulled, and Ajasin was sworn in for a second term.

His tenure was abruptly terminated by the military coup of 31 December 1983, which brought General Muhammadu Buhari to power.

Integrity and Personal Example

Michael Adekunle Ajasin was widely admired for his personal honesty. Reflecting on his years in office, he famously stated:

“I came into office in October 1979 with a set of my own rich native dresses and left office in December 1983 with the same set of dresses; no addition and no subtraction.”

He further noted that he owned no personal cars upon leaving office, having exhausted the two he had before assuming governorship. This statement has since become a benchmark for ethical leadership in Nigeria.

Pro-Democracy Struggle

In the 1990s, Ajasin emerged as a leading elder statesman within the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which opposed military dictatorship and demanded the validation of Chief M.K.O. Abiola’s annulled June 12, 1993 presidential mandate.

In 1995, he was arrested by the Abacha military regime, alongside 39 other activists, for participating in what the government termed an illegal political meeting—an episode that underscored his lifelong commitment to democracy and civil liberties.

Educational Legacy

As governor, Ajasin signed into law the establishment of Ondo State University in 1982, located in Ado-Ekiti (now in Ekiti State). In 2000, during the administration of Chief Adebayo Adefarati, a new university in Akungba-Akoko was named Adekunle Ajasin University in his honour. He also played a key role in the establishment of The Polytechnic, Owo.

Michael Adekunle Ajasin stands as a rare example of a Nigerian leader whose intellectual rigour, moral discipline, and public service aligned seamlessly. His legacy lives on through the institutions he built, the policies he shaped, and the enduring example of integrity he set in public life.

Source:
Ondo State Government Historical Records; Nigerian Political Biographies; Action Group Party Archives; Adekunle Ajasin University Documentation

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 38