Forty years after AJOFEST ’86 made its mark on Nigerian theatre, distinguished practitioners reunited at Abe Igi, National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, on Sunday, November 1, 2026, for an evening of memories, tributes and reflections on a landmark chapter in the nation’s cultural history.
Titled “AJOFEST ’86 – 40 Years Later: Reunion and Reflections,” the event celebrated the legacy of the late Dr Fred Omadeli Agbeyegbe, playwright, lawyer, publisher, cultural advocate and founder of Ajo Productions.
Organised in collaboration with the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), the reunion brought together theatre veterans, cultural leaders, performers and members of the Agbeyegbe family.
Among those present were Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Ayo Lijadu, Lara Akinsola, Professor Duro Oni, Steve Ayorinde, Jahman Anikulapo, Muyiwa Kayode, Managing Director of USP, and Dr Lookman Sanusi, who moderated the panel discussion.
Oluseyi Ashogbon, lead dancer at AJOFEST ’86, and Dr Lillian Agbeyegbe, convener and coordinator of the reunion, were also prominent at the gathering.
AJOFEST ’86 featured four major plays by Agbeyegbe: The King Must Dance Naked, Woe Unto Death, The Last Omen and Budiso.
Directed by the late Jide Ogungbade, the productions were staged over four consecutive weekends at the National Theatre, attracting capacity audiences. Their themes examined tradition, justice, political authority and abuse of power, establishing the festival as a significant moment in Nigerian theatre.
A major highlight was the keynote address by veteran theatre practitioner Ben Tomoloju, titled “Reflections on Ajo: The Stepping Stones and AJOFEST 1986.” He traced Ajo Productions’ journey from 1983, highlighting its commitment to professional standards, adequate rehearsal facilities, artistes’ welfare and careful production planning.
Tomoloju recalled the progression of the productions, from The King Must Dance Naked to Woe Unto Death and The Last Omen, culminating in the ambitious AJOFEST ’86.
He described the festival as a major collective effort involving established practitioners, graduates, students and folk artistes, supported by months of intensive rehearsals.
He emphasised its contribution to talent development, professional theatre practice and the possibilities of private investment in the arts.
The panel featured RMD, Lara Akinsola, Ayo Lijadu and Yomi Layinka, with Dr Lookman Sanusi as moderator. Reflections were also shared by Jahman Anikulapo, Ben Chiadika and Albert Odulate, while Segun Ogunfidodo, Godwin Onohwosa and Tunji Sotimirin sent video messages. The Crown Troupe of Africa added to the occasion with dramatic readings.
Other personalities associated with the celebration included Toyin Akinosho, Francis Onwuchei, Edmond Enaibe, Olu Okekanye, Greg Odutayo, Steve James, Evelyn Otaigbe, Dede Mabiaku, Chino Obasi, Muriel Obasi, Gilbert Agbeyegbe, Bafor Amatasiro, Grace Adegbola, Hannah Agbeyegbe and Matel Eyengho. Adeniran Makinde, FTA, National President of NANTAP, was also associated with the gathering.
Beyond the reunion, the occasion renewed calls for the preservation of Nigeria’s theatre history through proper documentation of scripts, photographs, programmes, recordings and the personal recollections of practitioners.
It also highlighted the continuing need for investment, performance infrastructure and institutional support for live theatre.
Forty years on, AJOFEST ’86 remains a reminder of what vision, collaboration, discipline and commitment can achieve. The reunion honoured Dr Fred Omadeli Agbeyegbe and the many practitioners who helped bring his vision to life, while encouraging a new generation to build on that legacy.
AJOFEST ’86 @ 40 was more than a nostalgic homecoming; it was a celebration of a cultural legacy and a call to preserve and advance Nigerian theatre.
