Ladele’s classic Yoruba novels return to bookstores

THE classic Yoruba novels, Je n lo gbatemi and Igbi Aye Nyi, by the late Chief TAA Ládélé, have been reprinted, one of his children has revealed.

Speaking in an interview, Iyiola Ládélé, a son of the late writer, disclosed that, “the books have been published again because there are a lot of demands for them all over the globe by people who are interested in Yoruba cultural studies and the rich cultural dissertations that typify the works of the author. The literary engagement of students and scholars in these old books would equally help to restore the lost values documented by great writers like TAA Ladele.

“Efforts are on to ensure that other books by the author such as Àkójopò ìwádìíìjìnlè àsà Yorùbá and Ìgbàl’ódé for pedagogy and for discourse among Yoruba literary enthusiasts. This effort was also done to preserve the literary legacies of the departed icon. There have been calls in several quarters, that the four requisite communications skills – writing, reading, speaking and listening – in the Yoruba language are restored across the South Western States and these books would aid cultural renaissance.”

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The books, which were earlier published by Longman Publishers and Macmillan Publishers more than four decades ago, have led to critical discussions in different fora. They have now been repackaged in quality prints by Gavima Press Limited.

One of the first generation Yoruba authors, the late Chief TAA Ládélé, was born around 1920 at Iyalode compound, Bode, Okeho. He was the pioneer headmaster of Baptist School, Iwere-Ile; Area Headmaster, Baptist School, Okeho and History master, Durbar College, Oyo, among others. He authored many Yoruba books. He was appointed Justice of Peace in 1987. He transited on August 21, 2014, at the age of 94.