Thirty years after the passing of renowned theatre artist and actor Olusola Isola Ogunsola, also known as Dr. I Sho Pepper, entertainment scholars are set to gather at the University of Ibadan to honor his legacy and his contributions to Nigerian and African cinema. The event aims to explore how his career can offer valuable insights into the evolving Nigerian entertainment industry, particularly by examining the practices of theatre artists from the 1970s and 1980s. Dr. I Sho Pepper was highly skilled across various aspects of theatre.
Scheduled for November 18 at the Wole Soyinka Theatre in Ibadan, the event will feature a symposium with notable speakers such as Mrs. Iyalode Ogunsola (Efunsetan Aniwura), Professor Dele Layiwola, Alhaji Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello), Dr. Joe Odedina, Oluyinka Smart Babalola, and Professor Onookome Okome. Moderated by Dr. Elizabeth Olayiwola, the symposium will highlight Dr. I Sho Pepper’s significant contributions to theatre and screen culture, as well as his creative works that continue to influence today’s movie industry.
The event will also include the premiere of a documentary about Dr. I Sho Pepper, directed by Bola Akande, with Dr. Bashiru Lasisi, Head of the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Ibadan, hosting the day.
