Nestled within the University of Ìbàdàn lies a modest campus bungalow that harbours a wealth of memories, encapsulating the life and times of renowned writer Wọlé Ṣóyínká and the broader narrative of Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. This unassuming house on Ebrohimie Road serves as the focal point of a forthcoming mini film/documentary, “Ebrohimie Road: A Museum of Memory,” shedding light on its pivotal role in shaping not just one man’s journey but also the nation’s historical tapestry.
Written and produced by Kọ́lá Túbọ̀sún and supported by a generous grant from the Open Society Foundation and Sterling Bank Nigeria, it delves into the convergence of personal narratives with national reckonings. Through interviews with key figures like Femi Euba, Folabo Ajayi-Ṣóyínká, and Ṣóyínká’s daughters, Moremi and Peyibomi, the project intertwines individual recollections with historical retrospection.
Cinematographers on the project are Tunde Kelani (with Jordan Wyatt and Curtis Boggs).
Dating back to 1967, Ebrohimie Road witnessed the tumultuous period of the Nigerian Civil War, marking the arrest of Wọlé Ṣóyínká upon his return from a mission to Biafra. His subsequent imprisonment and eventual release after 29 months, followed by exile in 1971, are pivotal moments etched in the annals of Nigerian literature and activism. The house became a sanctuary for Ṣóyínká’s thoughts and interactions during his solitary confinement, reflecting a blend of personal resilience and national upheaval.
Among the notable episodes captured within these walls is the iconic interview granted to journalist Ṣọlá Ọdúnfá in 1969, where Ṣóyínká candidly discussed his experiences during the war and incarceration. This interview, immortalised in various literary works and visual mediums, adds layers to understanding the man behind the literary giant and his contributions to societal discourse.
As ecological shifts subtly reshape the physical landscape, this endeavour also underscores the imperative of preserving historical spaces like Ebrohimie Road, ensuring they endure as repositories of collective memory. The accompanying trailer and additional content on the project’s website and Instagram offer a glimpse into the compelling storytelling and archival exploration awaiting audiences in this cinematic ode to a house that embodies the spirit of resilience and remembrance.
More at http://ebrohimie.olongoafrica.com and instagram and a tentative trailer here.
