Evergreen Music - "Yoruba Ronu" : The story behind it and when Hubert Ogunde Met Chief Awolowo in 1964

Chief Awolowo and Hulbert Ogunde

. "In 1964, there was a political tumult in the then Western Nigeria. Chief Awolowo was incarcerated on treason accusation and Chief Ogunde, wrote the highly controversial account for his indictment entitled it ‘Yoruba Ronu (Yoruba Think!).’ 

This account put him at loggerhead with Chief S.L Akintola who was at the time Premier of Western Region since the play directly attacked him and his government. For this, Ogunde Theatre was banned for two years (1964-1966). And in reaction to his ban, Mr. Ogunde produced ‘Otito Koro’ (Truth is Bitter). This ban had grave financial effect on him since majority of his audience were in the Yoruba speaking Western Region.

Ironically, Yoruba Ronu was a prophesy of days to come. And by January 15, 1966, the prophesy came to past and Akintola’s government was not only ousted out of power, but many had paid with their lives. The military had taken over and on request; the ban on Mr. Ogunde and his company was lifted by Lt. Col. F.A Fajuyi, the newly appointed governor of the Region."

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