By Onyekachi Victoria Philip
The iconic African stage drama Odigbose, written by renowned cultural visionary Olawanle Akinboboye, once took the global spotlight when it was showcased during the prestigious Leon H. Sullivan Summit 2003 held in Abuja, Nigeria.
The summit, which took place from July 14 to July 19, 2003, gathered world leaders, diplomats, business executives and cultural ambassadors from across Africa, the United States and other parts of the world to deliberate on Africa’s economic development, trade opportunities and international partnerships.
As part of the summit’s cultural segment, Akinboboye served as the Artistic Director, curating performances designed to showcase the richness, depth and historical significance of African heritage.
One of the most powerful highlights of the cultural presentation was the stage play Odigbose…an epic theatrical production widely regarded as one of the earliest dramatic interpretations of the Trans‑Atlantic Slave Trade from an African perspective.
Through a compelling blend of music, drama, dance and traditional storytelling, Odigbose vividly recreates the painful era when millions of Africans were captured and transported across the Atlantic.
The production also states the resilience, courage and enduring cultural strength of the African people.
The performance reportedly captivated international delegates attending the summit, offering a profound cultural reflection that complemented the summit’s broader discussions about Africa’s future and its relationship with the global diaspora.
For Akinboboye, the creation of Odigbose represents far more than theatrical entertainment.
The production forms part of his broader vision to use culture, tourism and creative storytelling as tools for reconnecting Africans with their history, identity and heritage.
Over the years, the cultural entrepreneur has continued to champion African heritage through several initiatives in tourism, entertainment and diaspora engagement, including the development of the internationally acclaimed La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort in Lagos.
Today, Odigbose remains recognized as a landmark African stage production…one that preserves the continent’s historical narrative while reminding global audiences of Africa’s enduring spirit, cultural depth and storytelling power.
More than two decades after captivating an international audience at the Leon H. Sullivan Summit, Odigbose is making a historic transition from stage to the big screen.
Now retitled So Long Odigbose, the epic film adaptation is currently in production under the creative direction of Olawanle Akinboboye.
The movie promises to bring the powerful story of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, African resilience and cultural identity to a new generation of global audiences through contemporary cinematic storytelling, while preserving the timeless message that made the original stage drama a cultural landmark.
