PremiumTrust Bank is to celebrate Ekiti governor Biodun Oyebanji’s first anniversary in office with a play on Col. Adekunle Fajuyi, the late military governor of old Western Region.

The play, whichh is to be staged in collaboration with the Duke of Shomolu Productions, a theatrical plays producing outfit, chronicles the last hours of Fajuyi, who paid the supreme sacrifice for loyalty and country.

Fajuyi fought to the end to protect then military head of state, Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi, in the 1966 counter coup.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the coup claimed Ironsi’s life who fell on July 29, 1966.

“Fajuyi gave his life for his country; he gave his life for loyalty and country,” Mr Joseph Edgar, Chairman of Duke of Shomolu productions famous for producing historical plays, said in a statement.

“Following the highly successful showing of Zik, which attracted high-profile guests such as the respected Obi of Onitsha, the widow of Nigeria’s first President, the late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, we are presenting the story of Fajuyi.

“The story shall be presented through brilliant dances to capture our super storytelling motives.

“As Governor of the Western Region, Fajuyi sacrificed his life during the counter coup to protect then Head of State, Gen Aguiyi Ironsi, and ensure the unity of the country.

“This heroic action is showcased in the play, written and directed by famed Prof. Rasaki Bakare, current Ekiti State Commissioner for Arts and Culture.

“It featured 70 thespians and iconic actors Yemi Shodimu and Barbara Soky in the lead roles.

“Fajuyi will be staged in both Ekiti and Lagos,” the statement said.

The statement said that Mr Dele Oye, the National President of NACCIMA, would give an opening remark as a way of support to PremiumTrust Bank’s efforts toward a strong Nigerian economy and the promotion of national unity.

NAN reports that the Duke of Shomolu Foundation has, over the last seven years, provided Nigerians with plays that chronicled the country’s history.

The statement quoted Mrs Mofoluwake Edgar, Managing Director of Duke of Shomolu Foundation, as saying that the stories had attracted more than 300,000 attendees and told stories of notable personalities via plays like Awo, Jakande and Ogiame Erejuwa.

Other plays were on former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, among others.

It added that PremiumTrust Bank is excited to work closely with Duke of Shomolu Foundation in bringing the Fajuyi story to Nigerians at a time of national rebirth.

The Ekiti showing, whichh is expected to have Oyebanji in attendance, will hold on October 14, 2023, while Lagos takes its turn on November 5, 2023. (NAN)

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