Among the attendees at the launch of two books written by lifestyle journalist and editor Onaolatomirin Falade were former presidential candidate Khadijah Okunnu-Lamidi, who ran on the platform of the Social Democratic Party in the 2023 elections, and Ayodeji Joseph, MD/CEO of the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation.
The two books, Dates From Hell and OLOBUN: Matriarch of Ondo, Mother of Legacy, were released at the Tomi Falade Book Party.
Presenting the two books at the same time was purely coincidental, according to Independent Newspapers’ Life Editor Falade. “The original intention was to launch Dates From Hell in 2023, but due to current circumstances, I had to move it to 2024,” she stated. However, I then made the decision to release both books simultaneously because they were ready. I dubbed the gathering “a book party” for this reason.
Many people are unaware of how enjoyable reading can be. The purpose of the occasion was to demonstrate that reading for pleasure can be a true joy.
Falade stated, “The two books are very different,” in reference to the content of the books.
In the drama Olobun, which is set in the Oyo Empire of the fifteenth century, themes of adventure, exile, and the beginning of the Ondo Kingdom’s enduring legacy are explored. When I began writing it more than ten years ago, the intention was to turn it into a stage play.
However, Dates from Hell is a compilation of short stories that are based on actual incidents involving individuals going on romantic dates. Every story is as distinct and hilarious as the others.
A panel discussion, a drama scene from Olobun, a skit based on one of the dates mentioned in the book, and dance performances were also included in the program, which was hosted by well-known comedian Gbenga Adeyinka.
