The Ibadan Book Club (IBC) is thrilled to announce that two outstanding Ibadan-based creatives, Luqman Kolawole Onike (popularly known as Olukumo) and Ogundimu Temiloluwa, will headline the April edition of its monthly literary event, Ibadan Book Talk. Scheduled to hold on Saturday, April 26, 2025, the event will take place at the Board Room of the Oyo State Library Board, opposite Cocoa House, Dugbe, Ibadan, and will commence by 12:00 PM.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by Wole Adedoyin, Founder of the Ibadan Book Club, who expressed great excitement over the choice of speakers. He highlighted the event as an opportunity for lovers of literature and art to witness the fusion of written, spoken, and visual creativity, noting that Onike and Temiloluwa represent the future of Nigeria’s artistic and literary expression.
This edition of Ibadan Book Talk is being organized in collaboration with the Redeemed Writers Network (REDNET) and Global Word Crafters (GLOWCRAFT). Together, these organizations aim to foster unity in the literary community and to create a space for dialogue, inspiration, and collaboration among writers, poets, artists, and literary enthusiasts from across the city and beyond.
Luqman Kolawole Onike, known in literary and artistic circles as Olukumo, is a multi-talented creative whose work transcends literature, performance poetry, culture, and social advocacy. Originally from Iseyin in Oyo State and currently residing in Ibadan, Onike uses the power of Yoruba poetry to address pressing societal issues while celebrating tradition and cultural identity.
Over the years, Onike has performed at several reputable literary and cultural events, including Nibstare Poetry Café, WORDS, RHYME and RHYTHM, Fadaka Festival, and the Beautiful Nubia concert. His compelling voice and stage presence have earned him features on television stations such as Startime Yoruba, Itage Television, and Orisun TV. His work is also widely distributed on YouTube and other digital platforms.
In addition to his poetry, Onike is an accomplished actor, film producer, and on-air personality. His rich creative portfolio includes works such as Olukumo (2017), Ekun Mekunnu (2018), ÀR?DÁ (2018), Àwùj? Odaju (2019), AKOKO (2023), Tewe Tegbo (2024), and his latest project, IGI EL’??GÚN (2025). With each work, he seeks to inspire, inform, and entertain, while preserving the essence of Yoruba storytelling.
Joining Onike is the rising visual artist Ogundimu Temiloluwa, a student of Visual Arts at the Federal College of Education. Temiloluwa is gaining recognition for an artistic style defined by fine detail, emotional depth, and creative innovation. With a particular interest in painting and pencil drawing, Temiloluwa uses art to convey complex ideas and evoke powerful emotions.
Temiloluwa credits much of his growth to the mentorship and influence of the renowned artist, Smog Art. Under this guidance, he has developed a unique artistic voice that continues to evolve with every new project. His participation in this month’s edition of Ibadan Book Talk will give attendees a glimpse into the intersections of visual art and literature.
The Ibadan Book Talk continues to serve as a vital platform for engaging creatives in thought-provoking dialogue and showcasing their work to a wider audience. The April edition promises to be a vibrant blend of poetry, storytelling, and visual artistry—a must-attend event for all lovers of culture and creativity.