In commemoration of 42nd anniversary that the legendary dramatist, Chief Duro Ladipo died, the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU) and Family members of the deceased have on Wednesday celebrated the stage theatre icon and playwright.
The programme which included a public lecture, stage theatre competition among selected secondary schools in the state and appraisal of the works of the theatre legend.
In his welcome address, the Executive Director of the center, Prof Siyan Oyeweso harped on the need to ensure that works of the late icon are documented and replicated for the new generation to learn from.
He reteirated the resolve of the center to always be at the forefront of promoting the African culture for several generations to learn and also project to the world.
While delivering speech, Prof. Philip Adedotun Ogundeji, Dept. Of Linguistic & African Languages, University of Ibadan, who lectured on “Duro-Ladipo: The Quest For Good Leadership And Yoruba Cultural Values”.
Prof. Philip described Late Duro Ladipo as a director, playwright, composer, principal actor of the theatre company, his stories were told to the world in Yoruba dialect; yet he won trophies on the international stage.
It will be recalled that the actor and playwright was celebrated 2 years ago, on 40th Anniversary, on March 10th-18th, 2018.
Duro Ladipo was one of the pioneers of theatre in Nigeria, long before Nollywood and he was the first Nigerian actor to win international award. As far back as 1964, a Nigerian theatre group led by Duro Ladipo beat other countries of the world to bring home a trophy for their act.” He said.
Born December 18th, 1931, in Osogbo, Osun State. Ladipo’s first born on earth, Yetunde Duro-Ladipo Falade in her statement, said the support being given to Duro Ladipo’s family was in fulfillment of the CBICU commitment to the promotion of arts and culture as veritable vehicle of tourism promotion in the state and beyond.
42 years after his death, adept actor and playwright, Duro Ladipo has been remembered with cultural performance from sons & daughters and inter- schools’ theatre competition staging of plays and dramas.
The wife of the late actor, (Chief) Mrs. Abiodun Duro Ladipo, in her famous name Moremi, was full of joy as she thanked the government and Prof. Siyan for their support in making the anniversary a rewarding outing in memory of her late husband.
Her message to the women folks on the need to be patient as wife and mother, as well as why ‘our rich culture must be preserved and promoted.’ It was a day of celebration, fond memories and theatrical excellence.
Present at the event were royal fathers, members Duro-Ladipo’s family, cultural groups, member of Association of Theatre Practitioners and other stakeholders.
