ANA Honours Seinde Arogbofa with Hall of Fame Induction, Book Launch at 87

 

ANA HONOURS SEINDE AROGBOFA WITH HALL OF FAME INDUCTION, BOOK LAUNCH AT 87

Elder statesman, scholar, and cultural advocate, Seinde Arogbofa, will mark his 87th birthday with the public presentation of two significant books and his investiture into the Hall of Fame of the Association of Nigerian Authors. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Obafemi Awolowo Auditorium in Akure.

The ceremony will feature the public presentation of Understanding Afenifere: A Journey through the Yoruba Leadership Organization, authored by Basorun Seinde Arogbofa. The book explores the evolution, philosophy, and influence of the Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere, offering readers deeper insight into its historical foundations and its role in shaping contemporary political discourse in Nigeria.

Also to be presented is Seinde Arogbofa: A Quintessential Role Model, a tribute volume that examines the life, leadership, and contributions of the distinguished public servant. The book is co-authored by respected academic W. Aderounmu and media practitioner Jare Ajayi, who highlight Arogbofa’s enduring legacy in public service, scholarship, and community leadership.

As part of the celebration, the Association of Nigerian Authors will confer on Basorun Arogbofa its prestigious Hall of Fame Fellowship in recognition of his outstanding contributions to literature, intellectual discourse, and national development. The investiture will be performed by the President of ANA, Usman Oladipo Akanbi.

The event is expected to attract scholars, writers, political leaders, cultural stakeholders, and admirers from across the country who will gather to celebrate the remarkable life and achievements of the octogenarian. The organisers describe the occasion as a fitting tribute to a man whose life has been devoted to service, intellectual engagement, and the advancement of Yoruba cultural and political thought.

The programme will commence at 10:00 a.m. at the Obafemi Awolowo Auditorium. For further enquiries, members of the public may contact the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Bayo Aborisade, on 08066505326; the Secretary of the Committee, Adedayo Afe, on 08033924751; or a member of the committee, Lanre Adebowale, on 08056655561.

Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, OFR, ANA, PEN, born on March 23, 1939, is a distinguished Nigerian author, public intellectual, and political leader known for his contributions to literature, governance, and socio-cultural advocacy. A respected elder statesman, he previously served as Secretary-General of Afenifere, where he played a pivotal role in shaping discussions on democracy, federalism, and Yoruba political leadership. He also holds the revered traditional title of Asiwaju of Oka-Akoko.

Arogbofa was born in Oka-Akoko, a historic town in Akoko South-West Local Government Area. He received his secondary education at Victory College Ikare-Akoko before proceeding to the University of Ibadan for higher education. Over the years, he has been recognised among the patriots who advocated for the creation of Ondo State, an effort acknowledged by the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

In politics and public affairs, Arogbofa began his political engagement as a member of the Alliance for Democracy before becoming deeply involved in the activities of Afenifere, where he eventually served as Secretary-General. Widely respected for his wisdom and mediation skills, he also played an important role in efforts to resolve the political crisis in Ondo State involving the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and his deputy Lucky Aiyedatiwa, demonstrating his commitment to dialogue, stability, and democratic values.

Beyond politics, Basorun Arogbofa has built an enduring reputation as a prolific writer and literary figure. A member of the Association of Nigerian Authors and PEN International, he has authored several works that explore themes of governance, morality, social responsibility, and national development. Some of his notable publications include Trapped (1983), Agidi Sours: Discipline on Trial (1985), The Socialite (1988), Wives and Mothers (1989), Nigeria: The Path We Refused to Take (2017), and To the Stars Through Bows and Arrows (Ad Astra Per Ardua) (2019).

In recognition of his contributions to education, literature, and national development, Basorun Arogbofa has received numerous honours and distinctions. He holds the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR), conferred by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan. He has also been inducted into the Ondo State Hall of Fame and honoured with scholarly tributes celebrating his intellectual and literary legacy.

Arogbofa’s influence extends beyond literature into intellectual discourse and policy advocacy. In 2015, a group of Nigerian scholars published a research project titled Knowledge Economy and Nigeria’s National Security: Essays in Honour of Bashorun Seinde Arogbofa, PEN, OFR, acknowledging his contributions to Nigerian literature and his advocacy for progressive educational policies. Today, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa remains a respected voice in national conversations on governance, culture, and leadership, inspiring younger generations through his writings, public service, and enduring commitment to Nigeria’s democratic and intellectual development.