Nigerian lawyer and poet Bayo Oyagbola has launched his debut poetry collection, The Sky’s Forgotten Prayer: Echoes of River, Drum and Heaven. The collection was launched at the Metropolitan Club in Lagos, with attendees including fellow lawyers and poetry enthusiasts. Published by Bookcraft, the book brings together poems written over several years, exploring themes of memory, mortality, spirituality, Yoruba culture and the human search for meaning. Oyagbola's work delves into the complexities of existence and uncertainty. The collection has been made available for purchase locally and online through major booksellers.
During the launch event, Oyagbola engaged in a fireside chat, discussing his use of Yoruba and English in his poetry, as well as the relationship between poetry, music and dance. He reflected on his journey with the Yoruba language, which he only learned to read after leaving school. This late introduction deepened his appreciation for the language's richness and broadened his perspective. Oyagbola's discussion highlighted the significance of language in shaping one's understanding of the world and the role of poetry in exploring these complexities.
Oyagbola also spoke about his approach to poetry as a continuous search for meaning rather than a pursuit of definitive answers. He emphasized that the essence of life is to continue seeking truth and meaning. This approach is reflected in his poem "Man's Sorrow Is Man," which explores humanity's capacity to become its own greatest threat. The conversation underscored the importance of poetry in preserving memory and engaging with questions that may not have easy answers.
Tade Ipadeola, a fellow lawyer and poet, also spoke at the launch event. He reflected on his understanding of Oyagbola as both a lawyer and a poet, noting the distinctive perspective that comes from navigating both worlds. Ipadeola highlighted the collection's engagement with Yoruba and Nigerian cultural heritage and encouraged attendees to engage with the new work. His remarks underscored the value of Oyagbola's unique perspective and the significance of his poetry collection.
The launch event featured poetry readings from family and friends, who shared selections from the collection. The evening concluded with Oyagbola reading his poem "Why," which deals with cosmological relativity and considers questions of time, existence, consciousness, matter and the nature of reality. This poem captures the philosophical inquiry that runs throughout The Sky's Forgotten Prayer. The readings showcased the depth and range of Oyagbola's poetry.
The Sky's Forgotten Prayer: Echoes of River, Drum and Heaven is available for purchase locally and online through several major booksellers, including Rovingheights and Quintessence. Internationally, it is available on Amazon and Kobo, among others. The collection has been well-received, with many attendees praising Oyagbola's thought-provoking poetry and insightful discussion.
The launch of The Sky's Forgotten Prayer marks a significant milestone in Oyagbola's literary career. As a lawyer and poet, he brings a unique perspective to his work, exploring the complexities of human existence and the search for meaning. The collection is a testament to Oyagbola's skill as a poet and his ability to craft thought-provoking and insightful verse.
Key points
- Bayo Oyagbola's poetry collection, The Sky's Forgotten Prayer, explores themes of memory, mortality, spirituality, Yoruba culture and the human search for meaning.
- The collection was launched at the Metropolitan Club in Lagos, with attendees including fellow lawyers and poetry enthusiasts.
- Oyagbola's work delves into the complexities of existence and uncertainty, reflecting his approach to poetry as a continuous search for meaning.
