IT was a moment of reunion with the people’s past as Alex Eyengho’s historical play, “Olu Akengbuwa” was staged last Friday, to commemorate the 28th anniversary of the coronation of the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse II, in Warri, Delta State. The play, staged at Federal Government College, Warri, aptly re-echoed the rich Itsekiri culture from the various kings since its emergence till date.
While the presentation lasted, feelings of nostalgia, reunion and accolades filled the air. Overwhelmed by the performance, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II endorsed the play. It has now become an integral part of the programme of events of the annual anniversary of the coronation of the Olu of Warri.
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Featuring notable Nollywood stars including, Nobert Young, Ejike Asiegbu who played Olu Akengbuwa, Peter Atomilola, Matel Alex-Eyengho, Barney Obi-Abiezue, Efe Mayford-Orhorha,Anthony Edet Offiong and Omonoba Bello, the performance also featured some Itsekiri stars. At the end of the presentation, Alex Eyengho, president of the Association of Nollywood Producers, ANCOP, who also produced and directed the play called on Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State to establish a theatre in the various parts of the state to boost culture and arts.
According to him, this is because presentation of stage plays require a theatre because of the lights and sound. The highpoint of the event was the presentation of awards to deserving sons and duaghters of the Itsekiri nation. Among the awardees were Governor Uduaghan, Chief Ereyitomi Thomas, Chief Mrs Rita Lori, Chief Francis Omatseye, Mr. J.O.S Ayomike, and Chief Oma Eyewoma among others, for their contribution to the stability and promotion of Itsekiri culture.
After receiving his award of excellence, Governor Uduaghan who was special guest at the event commended the performance, promising to support the producer to stage the play in Asaba during the hand over ceremony on May 29. Olu Akengbuwa is a play about the intriguing incidents that created a lacuna in the historical trajectory of the Warri Monarchical system, when for 88 years the Kingdom had no King.
Historians link two of such incidents as immediate cause of the 88 years interregnum in Warri Kingdom: A curse placed on the Kingdom by a certain herbalist from Ife, Oyo empire, and a pronouncement by Olu Akengbuwa against his son, Prince Omateye. Using the rich culture, music and dance, Eyengho reunites the Itsekiri people with their unforgettable past through the play.
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