THE LIFE OF ODIA OFEIMUN

The Secret of the Ear

By Williams Patrick Praise

Early Life and Self-Education

"A poet who is not a witness to the truth of his time is merely a decorator of the status quo."

These words by Odia Ofeimun do more than define his artistic philosophy; they summarize a life lived as a relentless challenge to the Nigerian conscience. Born on March 16, 1950, in the quiet town Iruekpen-Ekpoma, Edo State.

Odia Ofeimun is a formidable figure in African letters—a poet, polemicist, and public intellectual whose life has been a relentless pursuit of social justice through the written word. Often referred to as "Baba" by younger generations of writers, Ofeimun has authored more than 40 books, blending literary artistry with fierce political activism forged in the turbulent political fires of the post-independence era, Ofeimun has occupied a unique space in African history. He is the "Social Realist" who refused to let poetry remain in the ivory tower, instead taking it to the petrol stations, the factory floors, and the inner sanctums of political power. From his disciplined service as Private Secretary to Chief Obafemi Awolowo to his courageous stand against military censorship, Ofeimun’s journey is a masterclass in intellectual integrity. This essay explores how Ofeimun transformed the Nigerian literary landscape, moving from the biting critiques of The Poet Lied to the grand, inclusive visions of his later dance-dramas, ultimately proving that the writer’s pen can be as foundational to nation-building as any political decree.

Ofeimun’s journey to intellectual prominence was unconventional. Coming from a modest background, he missed his first year of primary school because he could not reach his right hand over his head to touch his left ear—a standard physical test for school readiness at the time. Despite this delay, he benefited from the Free Education policy of the old Western Region.

Determined to become a writer before he was 12, Ofeimun followed a path marked by grit. Before entering the university, he worked as a:

News reporter for the Midwest Echo.
Petrol station attendant.
Factory labourer at the West African Thread Company in Lagos.

He spent his nights in public libraries and writing poetry, eventually gaining admission to the University of Ibadan to study Political Science. There, his talent was quickly recognised when he won the first prize in the University Poetry Competition in 1975.

The Intersection of Poetry and Politics

Ofeimun’s career is defined by his refusal to separate art from the struggles of the "polis" (the state). His debut collection, The Poet Lied (1980), remains one of the most significant works in Nigerian literature. It challenged the detached, elitist style of earlier poets and insisted on a "third wave" of poetry—one that spoke the language of the marketplace and held leaders accountable.

His political commitment was not merely theoretical. Ofeimun served as the Private Secretary to Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the legendary leader of the Unity Party of Nigeria. This role gave him a front-row seat to the intricacies of Nigerian governance and solidified his reputation as an "Awoist" committed to progressive social engineering.

Literary Leadership and Global Reach
Ofeimun has been a central pillar of the Nigerian literary community. His leadership roles include:

President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) from 1993 to 1997.
General Secretary of ANA in the 1980s.
Founding member of the Pan African Writers’ Association.

His work spans multiple genres, from the sharp political critiques in Taking Nigeria Seriously to the lyrical dance-dramas of Nigeria the Beautiful. His international presence is equally vast; he has performed his poetry across the globe and studied at Oxford University on a Commonwealth fellowship.

Legacy and Personal Philosophy

Known for his disciplined lifestyle—he is a vegetarian who does not drink alcohol or smoke—Ofeimun has famously remained a bachelor, once joking that he is "married to poetry." His home in Lagos is legendary for being so filled with books that visitors often find it hard to find a place to sit.

In 2010, he received the Fonlon-Nichols Award for literary excellence and the propagation of human rights, cementing his status as a "social crusader." Through his publishing outfit, Hornbill House of Culture, he continues to mentor young writers and advocate for a Nigeria that values the intellect as much as the treasury.

Here is a curated selection of Odia Ofeimun’s most influential works. His bibliography is vast, but these titles represent the pillars of his thought, moving from raw political protest to cultural celebration.

1. Influential Poetry Collections these works showcase Ofeimun’s evolution from a fiery young critic to a "poet-prophet" of the Nigerian state.

The Poet Lied (1980): His most famous and controversial work. It challenged the role of the artist in times of war and crisis, arguing that a poet who ignores social injustice is a liar. It was famously withdrawn from circulation for a time due to a legal threat from J.P. Clark.
A Handle for the Flutist (1986): This collection focuses on the resilience of the human spirit and the artist's duty to remain a voice for the voiceless.
London Letter and Other Poems (2000): Written during his time in the UK, these poems explore the African diaspora, the pain of exile, and the longing for home.
Go Tell the Generals (2008): A scathing critique of military dictatorship in Nigeria and a tribute to those who fought for the restoration of democracy.
Nigeria the Beautiful (2011): A massive, celebratory collection that looks at the cultural diversity and potential of the country, often used as the basis for his dance-drama performances.

2. Major Essays and Political Thought

Ofeimun is as much a scholar as he is a poet. His essays are essential reading for understanding Nigerian political history.

Taking Nigeria Seriously: A collection of essays that argues Nigeria's problems are not accidental but the result of a failure of leadership and intellectual rigor.
In Search of Ogun: An exploration of the Yoruba deity Ogun as a metaphor for the creative and destructive energies of the Nigerian people.
When Does a Civil War End?: A profound reflection on the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970) and why the country has yet to fully heal or address the root causes of the conflict.
The Muse of Forgiveness: An examination of how literature and memory can help a nation move past historical trauma.

Work Type	Core Themes	Social Impact
Early Poetry	Betrayal, War, Truth	Established the "Social Realist" school in Nigerian poetry.
Political Essays	Awoism, Governance, Education	Provided a roadmap for progressive politics in Nigeria.
Later Poetry	Culture, Unity, Landscape	Promoted national pride and cultural integration through performance.

Odia Ofeimun’s tenure as the Private (Political) Secretary to Chief Obafemi Awolowo (1978–1981) is one of the most storied chapters in Nigerian political and literary history. It was a period where the young, radical poet came face-to-face with the "Sage" of Nigerian politics, resulting in a relationship characterized by intellectual rigor and, ultimately, a famous personal sacrifice.

1. The Work Profile: Serving the Sage

Working for Awolowo was not a standard administrative job; it was an immersion into the engine room of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). Ofeimun’s responsibilities included:

Speechwriting and Research: Ofeimun helped draft political manifestos and policy papers. His background in Political Science allowed him to provide intellectual depth to the party's "Free Education" and "Rural Development" agendas.
Gatekeeping and Correspondence: He managed the heavy flow of letters and visitors to Awo’s Ikenne and Park Lane residences, acting as a filter for the leader during the heat of the 1979 elections.
Intellectual Sparring: Unlike many subordinates, Ofeimun was known to have "robust debates" with Awolowo. He was not a "yes-man"; he brought the critical perspective of a radical poet to the table of a disciplined statesman.
Guerrilla Intellectualism: He operated "maximally" during odd hours, often working through the night when the office was quiet to refine the party’s ideological positions.

2. The "Fall" and the Legend of the Leaked Letter

Ofeimun’s time with Awolowo ended in a controversy that defined his character. A sensitive letter from the Awo camp was leaked to the press, causing a political stir.

The Sacrifice: Though Ofeimun knew he was not the source of the leak, he reportedly took the blame to protect the integrity of the office and prevent internal party friction.
The Departure: He was sanctioned and eventually left the role. Years later, it was revealed that Awolowo himself eventually learned that Ofeimun was innocent, but the poet never sought a public apology or personal gain from the truth. This act of integrity is why he is so revered in Nigerian literary circles today.

3. Deep Dive: The Poet Lied (1980)

If his work with Awolowo was his political peak, The Poet Lied was his literary explosion.

Historical Context: Published just as he was exiting the service of Awolowo, the collection was a reaction to the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970) and the role of the Nigerian intellectual elite.

The Satire: The title poem is widely seen as a critique of older poets (most notably J.P. Clark) who Ofeimun felt had remained too "objective" or silent during the horrors of the war.
The Controversy: J.P. Clark sued for libel, leading to the book being withdrawn from circulation for several years. This only served to make it a "samizdat" (underground) classic, passed from hand to hand among students and activists.
Key Themes: The "National Cake": He mocks the greed of the civil service and politicians.
Anti-Militarism: He highlights the absurdity of "the generals" who promise order but bring blood.
Social Realism: Unlike the abstract, mythic poetry of Wole Soyinka, Ofeimun’s language was direct, intended to "nudge and awaken" the common man.

Aspect	Significance
With Awolowo	Learned the "Constructivist" approach to nation-building; proved his personal integrity.
In Literature	Shifted Nigerian poetry from "private myth" to "public protest."
In Activism	Became the conscience of the Nigerian writer, especially during the Abacha military era.

To understand Odia Ofeimun’s power as a writer, we should look at the title poem of his most famous collection. "The Poet Lied" is not just a poem; it is a manifesto that redefined the role of the African artist.

Analysis of "The Poet Lied"

In this poem, Ofeimun attacks the idea of the "neutral" intellectual. He argues that in the face of suffering, silence or "beating around the bush" with flowery metaphors is a form of betrayal.

Key Stylistic Elements:

The Accusation: He uses a repetitive, hammer-like rhythm to accuse the subject of ignoring the "stench of dead bodies" in favour of writing about "moonlight and roses."
The Imagery of Decay: He describes the nation as a place of "broken bridges" and "gutters," contrasting this grit with the "clean" but dishonest words of the distant poet.
Direct Language: Breaking away from the complex, cryptic style of earlier Nigerian poets like Christopher Okigbo, Ofeimun uses language that hits like a physical blow.

Why this poem changed Nigerian Literature

Before Ofeimun, many Nigerian poets focused on African mythology and personal philosophy. Ofeimun dragged poetry into the marketplace and the trenches. He insisted that:

The poet's duty is to provide a "social commentary."
Art must be a "handle for the flutist"—a tool for action, not just a decoration.

Period	Key Role / Milestone	Impact
Late 1970s	Private Secretary to Awolowo	Gained deep insight into Nigerian power structures.
1980	Publication of The Poet Lied	Sparked a "generational shift" in Nigerian poetry.
1990s	President of ANA	Led writers in the struggle against military juntas.
2010s	Cultural Entrepreneur	Produced dance-dramas to celebrate Nigerian heritage.

The "Awoist" Influence on his Writing

Ofeimun’s work for Chief Obafemi Awolowo heavily influenced his belief in "Mental Culture." He believes that Nigeria can only be saved if its citizens become "thinking beings" who refuse to be cheated by their leaders. This is why his essays are often long, dense, and deeply researched—he wants to force the reader to think as hard as he does.

In his later years, Odia Ofeimun shifted from the "angry young man" of poetry to a "cultural choreographer." He realised that to reach a modern, mass audience, poetry needed to step off the printed page and onto the stage. This led to his ambitious Dance-Drama projects.

1. The Vision: Poetry in Motion

Ofeimun’s dance-dramas are "total theatre" experiences. They combine:

Operatic Poetry: His verses are chanted or sung by a chorus.
Traditional Dance: Incorporating movements from across Nigeria’s 250+ ethnic groups.
History as Spectacle: Using the stage to re-enact pivotal moments in Nigerian history.

2. Nigeria the Beautiful

His most famous production, Nigeria the Beautiful, was a direct response to the narrative that Nigeria is a "failed state."

The Theme: It celebrates the country’s diversity not as a source of conflict, but as a "tapestry of strength."
The Structure: It moves through the pre-colonial era, the struggle for independence, the dark days of military rule, and a hopeful vision for the future.
The Politics: Even in dance, Ofeimun remains an "Awoist." The play emphasises that unity requires justice and a "social contract" that works for everyone.

3. Why Dance-Drama?

Ofeimun moved into this medium for three specific reasons:

Accessibility: He wanted people who don't read poetry books to feel the rhythm of his message.
National Integration: By putting different ethnic dances on one stage, he visually demonstrates the "United Nigeria" he writes about.
Preservation: He uses these shows to document oral histories and traditional sounds that are at risk of being forgotten in the digital age.

The Legacy of the "Bachelor of Iruekpen"

Today, Odia Ofeimun remains a towering figure. Whether he is arguing about the 1979 Constitution, writing a sonnet about a Lagos traffic jam, or directing a 50-person dance troupe, his goal is the same: to take Nigeria seriously.

He lives in his famous "house of books" in Oregun, Lagos, still writing every day. He has proven that a writer doesn't need a government title to be a statesman; they just need a pen, a clear conscience, and the courage to tell the truth.

Ofeimun's Core Philosophy	Application
Integrity	Taking the fall for the leaked letter to protect his mentor.
Labour	Working as a factory hand to fund his own education.
Truth	Risking lawsuits and bans to publish The Poet Lied.
Hope	Investing his own money to produce Nigeria the Beautiful.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the life of Odia Ofeimun is a testament to the power of the "unyielding word." He did not merely witness Nigerian history; he interrogated it, frequently at great personal cost. Whether as a factory worker seeking knowledge, a political secretary protecting his mentor’s integrity, or a poet challenging the silence of his peers, Ofeimun has remained consistent in his belief that the intellectual is the guardian of the state. By moving his poetry from the quiet page to the vibrant, rhythmic stage of his dance-dramas, he successfully bridged the gap between elite discourse and public celebration. Today, as he sits surrounded by the legendary towers of books in his Lagos home, Ofeimun stands as a bridge between Nigeria’s past struggles and its future aspirations. He remains the "perpetual apprentice of truth," reminding us that while politicians may fail and regimes may fall, the poet who refuses to lie ensures that the soul of the nation remains intact.

The Odia Ofeimun "Master Map"

The Early Struggle: The "hand-over-ear" school test and working as a laborer/petrol attendant.
The Awo Years: His role as Private Secretary (1978–1981), his intellectual sparring with Awolowo, and his sacrifice regarding the leaked letter.
The Literary Firebrand: The publication of The Poet Lied and the shift from abstract poetry to "Social Realism."
The Institutional Pillar: His leadership of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) and his role in protecting writers during military rule.
The Cultural Visionary: The transition into "Total Theater" through dance-dramas like Nigeria the Beautiful.
The Personal Ethos: His bachelorhood, his vegetarianism, and his legendary "house of books" in Lagos.

To wrap up this exploration of Odia Ofeimun’s life, here is a structured bibliography and a guide for citing his work. This is particularly useful if you are writing a paper or compiling a dossier on Nigerian intellectual history.

1. Selected Bibliography

Ofeimun has written or edited over 40 books. These are the "must-know" titles for any serious study:

Category	Primary Titles
Poetry	The Poet Lied (1980), A Handle for the Flutist (1986), London Letter and Other Poems (2000), Go Tell the Generals (2008), I Will Ask Questions with Tungi (2021).
Essays & Politics	Taking Nigeria Seriously (2002), When Does a Civil War End? (2012), The June 12 Trap (2012).
Cultural/Drama	Nigeria the Beautiful (2011), A Feast of Return (2011).
Edited Works	Lagos of the Poets (2010), Salutations to the Gut (by Wole Soyinka, Edited by Ofeimun).

2. Academic Citation (APA 7th Edition)

If you are referencing his most influential work in an essay, you can use the following format:

Reference List:

Ofeimun, O. (1980). The Poet Lied. London: Longman.

In-Text Citation:

(Ofeimun, 1980) or "As Ofeimun (1980) argued in his critique of the silent intellectual..."

3. Summary of His Intellectual "Family Tree"

To understand Ofeimun, you have to see where he sits in the lineage of Nigerian thought. He is the bridge between the "Pioneers" and the "Moderns."

Final Thoughts

Odia Ofeimun's life is a testament to self-invention. From a petrol station attendant to the private secretary of a national hero, and finally to the "conscience of the nation," he has never stopped believing that the written word can change the physical world.

Here are a few powerful quotes by Odia Ofeimun categorized by theme.

On the Responsibility of the Intellectual
"A poet who is not a witness to the truth of his time is merely a decorator of the status quo."
On Nigeria’s Potential and Struggle
"Nigeria is a country that has been waiting for its citizens to take it seriously."
On the Power of Knowledge (The Awoist Influence)
"To be educated is to be free; to be illiterate is to be a prisoner of other people's choices."
On the Role of Poetry in Society
"I don't write poetry just to be read; I write it to nudge, to disturb, and to awaken the sleeping conscience of the polis."

FAQs

1. Why did he never marry? Ofeimun often jokes that he is "married to his books." More seriously, he has stated that his total devotion to his craft and his political causes required a level of freedom and solitude that traditional domestic life might have hindered.

2. Is he still active in politics? While he no longer holds an official party position like he did with the UPN, he remains a "public intellectual." He frequently writes columns, gives keynote speeches, and critiques current government policies through the lens of Awoist ideology.

3. What is the significance of his "House of Books"? His residence in Oregun, Lagos, is not just a home; it is an archive. It symbolizes his belief in "Mental Culture"—that a house should be built around knowledge rather than luxury. It is estimated to hold tens of thousands of volumes.

4. Why was The Poet Lied so controversial? It wasn't just about the poetry; it was about a generational clash. By criticizing J.P. Clark (a giant of the first generation), Ofeimun was essentially saying that the "old guard" had failed to use their influence to stop the bloodshed of the Civil War. It was a call for a more "activist" form of literature.

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