Kashimawo, play on MKO Abiola, to be staged in March
Kashimawo, a play about the late Chief Moshood Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, will be staged in March.
The play, produced by the Duke of Shomolu Foundation, will be staged in Lagos.
Mrs Mofoluwake Edgar, Managing Director of the Duke of Shomolu Foundation, stated that the play will bring to life Nigeria’s symbol of democracy.
The statement read:
“The play will delve very deeply into Yoruba mythology in an attempt to tell the story of this remarkable Nigerian whose very colourful life and ultimate sacrifice birthed the democracy we now enjoy.
“Abiola is a symbol of democracy; he signifies our collective dream of a great country with a free people.”
It warned, however, that the Play would disappoint audiences as it would not address the issues of Abiola’s politics.
“The play will focus on the essence of life; it will delve into trying to understand the evolving spirituality around a life that was destined for greatness.
“The effervescent Yoruba folklores and the entertaining philosophy embedded in his rich repertoire of proverbs, which delineated and guided his life, will form the guiding push of this play.”
‘Kashimawo’, written and directed by Prof. Rasaki Ojo, a renowned theatre director and current Ekiti State Commissioner for Arts and Culture, is expected to introduce the mythical characters who shaped and guided Abiola’s personality.
Ojo also wrote and directed ‘Fajuyi’, a play about the late Col. Adekunle Fajuyi.
The play was staged in both Ekiti and Lagos, with Governor Biodun Oyebanji, his cabinet, and other prominent members of the Fajuyi and Late Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi families in attendance.
According to the statement, ‘Kashimawo’ is expected to attract prominent members of the Abiola family, as well as other prominent Nigerians.
It also stated that the play is sponsored by First Bank of Nigeria Ltd.
Other sponsors include Unified Payment and the Lagos Internal Revenue Service.
Abiola, a philanthropist, died while attempting to carry out his mandate after retired Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, then military President, annulled what many considered a free and fair election.
The Federal Government has since recognised him as the winner of the June 12 election, designating the date as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
