Gbenro Adesina
A prominent Yoruba Author, Alagba Lawuyi Ogunniran, has died on September 21, 2020 at the age of 85.
The versatile author wrote several Yoruba Literature books, including Eegun Alare, Olorun o Mawada, Ibadan Mesiogo, Igi Woroko, Aare Ago Arikuyeri, Omo Alate Ileke, Abinu Eni, Eru Ife, Ona kan o Woja, Nibo Laye Doriko, Ogun Oke Mefa, Atari Ajanaku, Aaro Meta Atorunwa, Bo o Laya o Seka, Adedewa.
Lovers of Yoruba Literature have taken to the social media to mourn the demise of the icon. A tribute by an Author, Bode Oje, on Facebook reads:
“A giant is no more. He towers high in Yorùbá literature even in death. Pa Lawuyi Ogunniran’s Eégún Aláré remains a ground breaking research and uncommon literary work yet to be equalled in Yorùbá literature and academia.
Another brilliant work from him, though not well known, is the play titled ‘Àtàrí Àjànàkú.’ It explores power tussle between the youth and elders of Gbáńdú over political issues and how Aláàfin as overlord weighed in.
Bá n re bi, àá dá ni lógún ọdún
Bá ń ràjò àá dá ni lọ́gbọ̀n oṣù
Ọ̀jẹ̀lárìnnàká ńlọ kò dá ìgbà kankan
Ọ̀jẹ̀lárìnnàká ọkọ ìyádùńní
Eégún Aláré abi kókó létí aṣọ
Fare thee well bàbá”.
Also, Rasaq Malik Gbọ́láhàn @RasaqMG, wrote, “A dirge for Bàbá Láwuyì Ògúnníran. This is my offering. A ritual from the living to the dead”.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1308672705282093056
