By Prisca Sam-Duru

The classic Yoruba literatures, Je n lo gbatemi and Igbi Aye Nyi of the renowned Yoruba author, the late Chief TAA Ládélé, has returned to the bookshelf. The works of the author is currently available for purchase by cultural and Yoruba literary enthusiasts across the globe. This was recently unveiled by the children of the late author.

The late Chief TAA Ládélé was born around the year 1920 at Iyalode compound, Bode Quarters, Okeho. He was one of the first generations of Yoruba authors who made a living through his natural writing skills and wrote several books that have become academic success. He was the pioneer headmaster of Baptist School, Iwere-Ile, Area Headmaster, Baptist School, Okeho, History master, Durbar College, Oyo, amongst others. He authored many Yoruba literatures and was appointed Justice of the Peace in 1987. He transited on August 21, 2014 at the ripe age of 94.

“The books have been published again because there are lots of demand for the books across the globe by people who are interested in Yoruba cultural studies and the rich cultural dissertations that typify the works of the author. The literary engagement of students and scholars in these old books would equally help to restore the lost values documented by great writers like TAA Ladele.”

Efforts are on to ensure that other books by the author such as ÀkójÍpÍ ìwádìíìjìnl¹ àcàYorùbá and Ìgbàl’ódé for pedagogy and for discourse among Yoruba literary enthusiasts. This effort was also done to preserve the literary legacies of the departed icon.”, Iyiola Ládélé, son of the late author explained.

There have been calls in several quarters, that the four requisite communications skills – writing, reading, speaking and listening – in the Yoruba language are restored across the South-West states and these books would aid cultural renaissance.

The books which were earlier published by Longman Publishers and Macmillian Publishers more than four decades ago, have led to critical discussions in different fora and these books have been repacked in quality prints that conform to modern leading standards of publishing books by Gavima Press Limited.

The work, sited in the city of Owo, Je n lo gbatemi is premised on the introduction of the Christian faith and Bankole, the head of the Masqueraders, acted the new found faith. His fellow initiates trailed him till he gave up Christianity. Upon establishing a school in the town, Deoti, the son of Bankole and his friend, Eesita, were enrolled in the school.

Unfortunately, the wave of civilisation brought by the students to the town was not satisfactory to the religious groups in Owo and the mother of the two friends had contrary opinions. Deoti unwillingly yielded to the advice of his mother while his friend was doomed by joining the fad.

Similarly, Igbi Aye Nyi is set in the town of Otolu, in the early days of colonialism where the Oba, Bankarere and his sons perpetrate unspeakable outrages against their subjects. Their excesses were based on the misuse of human bodies and property  which is a perverted parade of ‘wealth in people’. In the end, events set in motion by the defiance of two of the townsmen led the colonial authorities to interfere and put a stop to their activities.