The art community in Lagos joined the family of the poet, journalist, sports promoter and music connoisseur, Otunba Edward ‘Eddie’ Kolawole Aderinokun in paying tributes at his funeral.

Many who were present at the funeral of Eddie Aderinokun might have been oblivious to the fact that the late poet was born on July 13, a date that has been registered as the birthday of the Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka. Often, the art community would migrate to Ijegba forest to mark the occasion that has become known as the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE). But last Friday when Aderinokun was laid to rest, the art community stood for him with poetry performances and tributes in an event that was both physical and virtual.

Some of his children and grandchildren who joined the ceremony virtually were clad in the powder-blue garb, sitting respectfully in their various homes while the event progressed. Poetry performances by AJ Dagga Tolar and Akeem Lasisi added some life to the sober gathering marked by physical distancing of the masked guests.

The late poet was remembered for playing host to the Lagos Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) for several years when their monthly meetings were held at his Surulere home. He was known to be very hospitable, offering food and drinks to authors at the meetings during the formative stage. His impact was also felt in the field of journalism as recounted by the former Governor of Ogun State and journalist, Chief Olusegun Osoba in a short light-hearted tribute to Aderinokun.

“I don’t know how to start this tribute. We were rivals. He was in Daily Express; I was in Daily Times. But we were good friends. He was in Apongbon; I was in Kakawa,” he said as he drew parallels between their career in journalism where they both got promoted to the position of Deputy Editors at about the same time.