Omoseye Bolaji, a well known black writer based in South Africa will be conferred with a prestigious traditional Chieftaincy title by the Olubadan (King) of Ibadan city in Nigeria (West Africa) next month.
Omoseye has over the years managed to build up a very impressive literary body of work, and is being honoured mainly for his contributions to black African writing. Ibadan for decades was the most populous black city south of the Sahara, boasting the first Television Station in Africa, the Cocoa House skyscraper, the Liberty stadium etc.
Omoseye Bolaji has contributed in awesome fashion to African black writing, publishing well over 20 books, with his literary works discussed, evaluated in many articles, books and on the Internet. Some of his works include The Termagant, Impossible Love, The ghostly adversary, The guillotine, People of the Townships, Poems from Mauritius, and the Subtle transgressor
South African writer, Flaxman Qoopane, a close friend of Omoseye was elated to hear about the chieftaincy. "It's rare indeed for a writer to be given a traditional chieftaincy title just on the strength of his writings. I am so happy for Omoseye. He could have had an easy, comfortable life but he largely sacrificed everything all for his love of literacy and literature"
Omoseye Bolaji, who lives in the Free State, has garnered a string of awards over the years, thanks to his writing prowess. Last year alone (2007) he was given a Lifetime Achievement award by the Free State government; and the University of the Free State conferred the Chancellor's Medal on him. His father the late Chief SL Bolaji was a proud Ibadanman who was also an acclaimed writer. Omoseye will be conferred with the “Onigegewura” (Golden Pen) of Ibadan on August 18, 2008
Raselebeli Khotseng (PRO, Phoenix Literary Club, South Africa)
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