Journalist and writer Tomi Falade has returned with two historical plays, Alayemore: The Twice-Crowned King and Orompotoniyun: 12 Nights For A Crown, as she seeks to bring lesser-known Yoruba stories to a wider audience.
Falade unveiled the books at The Tomi Falade Book Party 2.0: A Cocktail Affair, hosted by Gbenga Adeyinka D1st at Cafe One, Ikeja.
The event brought together family, friends, colleagues, literary enthusiasts and well-wishers. Guests enjoyed readings from the plays and conversations with Falade about her latest works.
Reimagining Yoruba history
Falade previously published Olobun: Matriarch Of Ondo, Mother Of Legacy, a play selected as a Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards pick in 2025. She also wrote Dates from Hell, a collection of short and humorous stories about modern dating.
With her latest books, Falade turns to Yoruba history and royalty.
Alayemore tells the story of Obalufon Alayemore, an Ooni of Ile-Ife. Oranmiyan displaced Alayemore from the throne. He later founded Efon Alaaye before returning to Ile-Ife after Oranmiyan’s departure. His return earned him the distinction of becoming the twice-crowned king.
Orompotoniyun explores the story of Ajiun Orompotoniyun, the first and only woman to rule as Alaafin of the Oyo Empire.
The play also draws from William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Falade combines the historical story with comedy and dramatic twists.
‘It is time to own those stories’
Falade described herself as a tool breathing life into history. She said her latest works reflect her desire to tell stories that have received little attention.
“I’ve always loved stories, and I believe that Africa, Nigeria, and by extension, the Yoruba people have a wealth of stories no one is talking about. I think it is time to begin to own those stories and tell them unashamedly,” she said.
Readings from the plays added a lively touch to the event. Familiar faces performed the lines and added ad-libs during their presentations.
Praise for Falade
Taye Ige, President/CEO of HS Media Group, praised Falade’s range as a writer.
“Today’s presentation of two additional books confirms that her first outing was no literary accident. Tomi is steadily and deliberately building a distinct body of work.”
The event also attracted Prince Bamidele Jonathan Olagunju, Efe Omorogbe, Seun Oloketuyi, Yemi Adebisi, Olumide Iyanda, Muyiwa Kupoluyi and Nollywood actor Jide Awobona.
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