Chancellor’s Medal to Omoseye Bolaji
On September 13 2007 the University of the Free State will confer the Chancellor’s Medal on Omoseye Bolaji. I wish to pay him a special tribute here - Chief!
When Bolaji started to live in South Africa years ago he just did what he loved most: writing and inspiring/helping others with their writing. As the years passed he published more and more books. He did not seek attention, because by nature he’s shy and reserved, and also perhaps because of latent xenophobia. But then, people began to ask: Who is this Omoseye Bolaji? Who is writing these thrilling books? (Fiction)
Perhaps Impossible Love is his most loved work; but others love his thriller, The ghostly adversary. Many also claim his Tebogo Investigates is their firm favourite. Yet others love Tebogo’s spot of bother. For some, People of the Townships is among his best. Others like myself love The Guillotine which contains some striking short stories of his. People from Botshabelo love Tebogo Fails (because the action in the book is based there!)
So people - especially lovers of literature began to talk, talk, about this Omoseye Bolaji. As early as 2003 some people were even saying taht a library should be named after him! Nna - I always call him “the living legend”. We were happy when the honours began to roll in for him. He has inspired so many, including myself, author and publisher. Who can argue that the most important accolade is the Chancellor’s Medal?
To paraphrase a portion from Boney M’s Rasputin which Bolaji loves so much: “The demands for (this outstanding writer) to be honoured became louder and louder and louder…!” Congrats.
thabo mafike
September 12th, 2007 at 9:46 am
The honour could not have been conferred to a more deserving person. Omoseye “chief” as he is fondly referred to by those close to him has dedicated his life to literature in a commendable manner.
Often willing to nurture and guide young and flourishing talent. I have personally known him for years and I’m proud to learn that he is to honoured this way in his living years. A true legend.A selfless son of the soil.Oga
September 12th, 2007 at 10:08 am
Ag, this is an unexpected pleasure! Who says am the only disciple?
September 12th, 2007 at 10:16 am
I am very happy to be shown this now. Truly Mr Bolaji is a giant in his own way and deserves the honours. He has helped so many including myself. Soon my debut book of poems will be published
September 12th, 2007 at 10:44 am
It’s so kind of kagablog to place this piece here, because I know I originally wrote it elsewhere. Thanks so much. And how did you get the cover of this book of Lechesa?
September 12th, 2007 at 11:14 am
dear mr mafike, to paraphrase the good lechesa, the chief has more than one disciple!
September 12th, 2007 at 2:47 pm
Here, we are looking forward to this occasion tomorrow (Thurs). I just pray that Bolaji - who dislikes being in the public eye - would cope well with it all
September 12th, 2007 at 3:12 pm
I have always said that one day I’ll write a book - yet Bolaji has published over 20! I believe this alone is justification for his award. I add my own congratulations too
September 13th, 2007 at 8:57 am
No doubt the writers in the Free State would be preparing for this big event today. My personal congrats to Bolaji too. Pity am far away and can’t make it
September 13th, 2007 at 9:23 am
Just to quickly wish you good luck today Chief….
September 13th, 2007 at 9:27 am
Me too. Must rush to the drycleaners to collect my suit for the Chancellor’s Dinner tonight at the University. We must try to support Bolaji. I want to look nice but not steal the show. There is a famous Achebe proverb on this which I can’t immediately recall
September 13th, 2007 at 2:41 pm
Let the honours roll ceaselessly… perhaps the next one will be presented by Mandila, the Great Nelson Mandela. Seye Bolaji is a motivator extraodinarie!, I am a writer today because he nurtured me…Egbon, Chief, congrats!
September 14th, 2007 at 9:55 am
Ah, what a day! The formal ceremony went well yesterday at the University, and then came the Chancellor’s Dinner where wine and food flowed. I am sure everybody is battling babalas snow. Mr Flaxman Qoopane was in fine fettle conversing with all, and Bolaji managed to stand up and deliver a superb short address. He deserves the award.
September 14th, 2007 at 3:19 pm
je garderai toujours en moi un vif souvenir de cette ceremonie haute en couleur , au cours de laquelle, celui qu on appelle !malome! , l oncle de tous fu honore en recevant cette medaille des mains des chanceliers de l uofs, university of the free state. puisse l eternel continuer a vous assister , qu il vous acroisse en sagesse , honeur et sante,
aaron sonny kapeta
September 14th, 2007 at 3:59 pm
cette fois-ci j’aimerais parler en francais. le ceremonie etait magnifique c’etait impressionant.
congratulation monsiuer bolaji tu es notre inspiration.
September 15th, 2007 at 2:28 pm
Congrats to Mr Bolaji. I am one of the people he guided and helped - he was my Editor at a paper a few years ago; though am now working for an important radio station.
September 16th, 2007 at 3:25 pm
I am certainly looking forward - agog with anticipation - to seeing photos from this occasion (Chancellor’s Medal)on kagablog; which is always first with exclusive stories and photos!