“OROMPOTO”; A LITERARY ADAPTATION OF THE YORUBA LEGEND AJIUN OROMPOTONIYUN

ABSTRACT

This study is a dramatic adaptation of the legend of Ajiun Orompotoniyun, and it focuses on giving currency and popularity to the life of the first and only female Alaafin of the Oyo Empire as recognized by the Yoruba people. This work interprets and literarily recreates her impact and input on the growth and advancement of the Oyo Empire. Femi Shaka in “History and the Historical Play: A Radical Study of Ola Rotimi`s Kurumi, Ovonramwen Nogbaisi and Hopes of the Living Dead” advanced various reasons playwrights resort to writing history; to comments on contemporary issues of their times, popularize aspects of their history which were not sufficiently known to their people and to correct existing versions of history. To this end, this study will thoroughly research the history of the legend Ajiun Orompotoniyun and her deeds that are already recorded in the Yoruba culture and will adapt this history into the literary art form of drama to highlight her legacy and cultural significance to the Yoruba culture and Empire.