Femi Osofisan

Biography

Femi Osofisan is a renowned Nigerian playwright, poet, novelist, and academic, known for his socially engaged works and reimagining of classical texts to address contemporary issues. Born in 1946, he has written over 60 plays, many of which explore themes such as corruption, injustice, and the struggle for human dignity. Osofisan often adapts Western classics—like works by Sophocles and Euripides—into Nigerian settings, blending traditional Yoruba culture with global influences. His writing is marked by satire, sharp political commentary, and deep cultural insight. A professor of drama, he has taught at several Nigerian universities and served as the general manager of the National Theatre in Lagos. His contributions to literature and theater have earned him national and international acclaim. He writes under his own name as well as the pseudonym Okinba Launko, particularly for his poetry. Throughout his career, Osofisan has remained committed to using literature as a tool for social critique and transformation, making him one of Africa’s most important literary voices.