Ayinla Omowura: The Gnome That Refuse to Die

He was murdered four decades ago by his ally and Band Manager, Fatai Bayewumi, Late Alhaji Waidi Ayinla Omowura is unarguably one of the few indigenous Nigerian musicians with soaring popularity after their exit. Ayinla’s music laced with philosophical lyricism keeps enjoying acceptability and high rating till now.

As part of activities marking the 4Oth Anniversary of his tragic death, a prolific writer, Dr. Festus Adedayo, assisted by the duo of Waheed Ganiyu and Idris Oderinde has written a biography to celebrate the Apala maestro.

A seasoned journalist, columnist and media consultant; Adedayo has about 20 years of experience, which cuts across journalism, research and public communication. He is known in the Nigerian public arena as a public commentator with an acerbic pen and a writer with disdain for injustice and social disorder.

Titled ‘ Ayinla Omowura: Life And Times Of Apala Legend, the book of about 600 pages reveals many untold stories about Omowura. According to the author: ‘ the book, not strictly a hagiography on Omowura’. Invariably, it is a combination of the good, bad and ugly sides of Anigilaje Ayinla.

The literature, due for launch by May contains chapters like, Apala: Roots and Beginning; Ayinla’s Rough Years; Ayinla, The Family Man; Ayinla’s Iconic Years(1970-1980); Day Oloburo Was Murdered; Ayinla And His Music and Apala After The Oloburo. Foreword and Afterword were written by two sociologist, anthropologist and Africanist scholars, Professors Ebenezer Obadare of the University of Kansas and Wale Adebanwi, University of Oxford. The book will be available for sale from May 6, 2020

It will be recalled that Alhaji Ayinla Omowura, 47, lost his life in an Abeokuta bar-room brawl on May 6, 1980.