“Homage” by Adebayo Oyebade for Professor Oyekan Owomoyela who died in October 2007




For a brimful season
He reigned in regal splendor
A doyen in the terrain of learned legends

He knew the dialect of our culture
The narrative of our ancient being
And so he danced the royal steps
In the forest of rare gems

He carved lengthy wisdom
Built towers of wise words
And engraved tall knowledge
Across the horizon of college campuses
From Ibadan to Nebraska

Now
The warrior’s season is expired
The forest has recalled the chieftain of masquerades
The horse has galloped home triumphantly
The dance of the dainty don is ended
The Chair is empty
The world is depopulated!4

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