By: Ajayi Toyyib

It was with a glamorous atmosphere that intellectuals and literary lovers converged for the book launch of THE CAVE OF A THOUSAND DEMONS which was written by Press Council’s very own Akinyemi Jelili Oyelere (pka Comrade Samson) at the North Assembly Hall of The Polytechnic, Ibadan. The long anticipated launch finally took place on Saturday, 7th of August, 2021. And as punctual as ever, the event started at 12:00 pm with an opening prayer by Pastor Taiwo Alex.

Mr Majaro Ayodele, the Chairman of the book launch committee, shared in his welcoming address that the purpose of the event was not only to launch a book, but as well witnessing rubbing mind with intellectuals.

He concluded his speech by appreciating the presence of those who were in attendance and assured them that they will definitely add to their horizons of knowledge.

Mr Tunji Adepoju, who represented Dr. Wale Okediran, delivered his speech as the Chairman of the Day . He tendered an apology on the absence of Dr. Wale Okediran. He stressed that Wale Okediran is the first person to establish “writers” locally and internationally. He said. “Doctor Wale couldn’t make it to the occasion due to his appointment as the Secretary General of PAN Africa Writer Association.” He concluded by appreciating the sagacity of the author, Akinyemi. He praised him for making a name for himself in the literary world at a young age, and encourage other to model after him and make a difference as well.

The reviewer, Dr. Solomon Iguanre; started the business of the day by analyzing some poems in the anthology that was launched. He discussed several literary and poetic devices in each of the poems . While discussing the poems he also analyzed “She is in a coma” a poem in the book which symbolizes Nigeria and it dependence on oil.

He described Nigeria as a beautiful, endowed woman who with poor management and corruption loses its amazing attributes, as he described Nigeria as her cloth and things of wealth turns to things of shame. The Cave of a Mile Stone was also succinctly discussed alongside other poems that centers the title of the book.

He thoughtfully explored this Anthology (The Cave of a Thousand Demons) as a means to describe the political situation in Nigeria. Meanwhile it did not stop the author from covering other areas such as cultism, bring back our culture, dilemma. He stated. “…considering the content of Jelili’s anthology, I gladly recommend this book for poetry, political scientist, and everyone at large.”

Following that wonderful review, the moderator called on the special guests on the high table to make comments on the book. And subsequently, the launching process was presided over by the Chief Launcher; Mr Olukayode Ojo, Dr. Adesiyan, Mr. Tunji Adepoju, and other distinguished members of the high table launched it in their respective capacities.
Akinyemi Jelili, the author, then gave his vote of thanks by appreciating those that graced his launching ceremony and prayed that God blessed everyone in attendance in all their endeavours.