Adebayo Faleti, born on 26 December 1921 in Agbo-Oye, Oyo State, emerged from humble beginnings to become a towering figure in Yoruba culture and arts. As the first son of Joseph Akanbi Faleti and the only child of Durowade Ayinke Faleti, his early life in Obananko, Kuranga, was marked by a vibrant cultural milieu despite economic constraints. His innate passion for drama, evident from his early years, faced the hurdle of limited financial support from his parents. However, undeterred, Faleti paused his primary education to address life’s pressing demands, a decision that set him on an unconventional path to greatness.
In 1949, demonstrating remarkable initiative and leadership, Faleti gathered a group of like-minded individuals to form the Oyo Youth Operatic Society. This theatre group, where actors uniquely sang their dialogues, marked the beginning of Faleti’s lifelong dedication to the performing arts.
Educational Journey and Literary Ventures
The trajectory of Faleti’s life took a significant turn when he secured a job in a primary school. His six-year tenure as a teacher enabled him to save funds for further education, with added financial assistance from his father. This period of his life was crucial as it laid the foundation for his later successes in various fields.
Faleti’s pursuit of higher education led him to the University of Dakar, Senegal, in 1966, where he honed his French Language and Civilization skills. His academic journey didn’t end there; he furthered his studies at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, earning an honours degree in Lit-in-English. While at the University of Ibadan, Faleti’s writing talent blossomed. He contributed to the magazine ‘Triumph’ and wrote a column for the Nigerian Tribune, showcasing his burgeoning literary prowess.
Trailblazing in African Media
Adebayo Faleti was not just an African media participant but a trailblazer. His career was a series of pioneering ‘firsts’: Africa’s first newscaster, stage play director, film editor, and librarian at WNTV/WNBS, the first television station in Africa. Faleti’s role extended beyond these firsts; he was instrumental in shaping the landscape of African media.
His 25-year career as an actor and producer at Western Nigeria Television (WNTV) included producing plays by renowned dramatists like Hubert Ogunde, Duro Ladipo, and Oyin Adejobi. Faleti’s tenure at WNTV was marked by creativity and innovation as he introduced various genres and styles to Nigerian television.
Innovations and Contributions to Television and Film
As a television producer, Faleti established the Alebiosu Theatre Group. He introduced scripting to Yoruba television acting, a practice that has since become universally accepted. Faleti’s role in the Nigerian film industry, mainly through his collaborations with Mainframe Productions, brought a new level of cultural depth and finesse to Yoruba films.
His repertoire of authored books includes titles like ‘Basorun Gaa’, ‘Magun’, and ‘Won Ro Pe Were Ni’. Faleti’s literary works were stories and cultural narratives interwoven with Yoruba folklore, history, and philosophical thought. Moreover, he wrote, produced, and directed over 40 plays, further cementing his status as a cultural luminary.
Adebayo Faleti’s impact extended beyond the arts. He served as the General Manager of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) and was a pioneering school teacher at Ife Odan. His translation work, including the Nigerian National Anthem and speeches of notable figures from English to Yoruba, significantly contributed to preserving the Yoruba language.
Recognition and Honours
Faleti’s contributions were recognised with numerous awards and honours, both nationally and internationally. He received the National Honour Of Officer Of the Order of the Niger (OON) and the Doctor of Letters (D.Litt), among others. His film ‘Basorun Gaa’ was acclaimed at the Breeze Awards in London as the best epic movie of the year in 2004.
Following his passing in 2017, many influential figures paid tribute to Adebayo Faleti, acknowledging his numerous contributions to humanity. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, stated in his tribute that Faleti was a great ambassador of Yoruba culture and called for his immortalisation with befitting arts institutions.
Adebayo Faleti’s contributions to the arts and culture of the Yoruba people and Nigeria as a whole will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Some of the notable awards he received include:
- National Honour Of Officer Of the Order of the Niger (OON)
- Doctor of Letters (D.Litt)
- Justice of Peace (JP)
- Jerusalem Pilgrim (JP)
- Festival of Arts award with “Eda Ko L’aropin” (1995)
- Afro-Hollywood Award for Outstanding Performance in Arts in the United States (2002)
- Breeze Awards in London for Best Epic Movie of the Year for “Basorun Gaa” (2004)
Adebayo Faleti passed away on 23 July 2017 at 86, leaving behind a rich legacy celebrated by prominent figures like the Ooni of Ife and Professor Wole Soyinka. His commitment to Yoruba culture and arts continues to inspire generations.