We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the son of the esteemed Yorùbá poet, Lanrewaju Adepọju (1940 - 2023), for providing both the transcription and translation into English of a poem from Chief Adepọju’s collection (see also Ìlú le! and I Dreamt of Riches). “Ibi A Baye De L’ewu” (translated here as “World in Dangerous Times”) is crafted in the manner of a “fire and brimstone” sermon, employing vivid imagery of judgment and eternal damnation to call for repentance. Adep...| African Poems
The Yorùbá poet Lanrewaju Adepọju passed away on the 10th December 2023 from age-related illness. We are grateful to his son, Olayiwola Adepọju, for this transcription and translation into English of a recording from Chief Adepọju’s repertoire. A self-taught polymath residing in Ibadan, Lanrewaju Adepọju seamlessly embodied the roles of poet, playwright, author, and social crusader. Local politicians and noteworthy figures actively sought his collaboration, aspiring to leverage hi...| African Poems