On the 27th of February, 2025, the Department of Arts and Social Sciences Education (English Education), Osun State University, Ipetu Ijesha campus, hosted a captivating stage production of Ola Rotimi’s play, The Gods Are Not to Blame.
This theatrical masterpiece was staged at the Tetfund building, under the course titled Theatre Workshop (Course code: LIT207).
Directed by the visionary Adeniyi Hosannah Oluwatosin, with musical direction by the talented Aderoju Isaac Adebayo, the performance showcased the depth and creativity of the 200-level students. The entire production was coordinated and supervised by Dr. Opeyemi Olofinsawo, the lecturer in charge of the course.
A Nigerian adaptation of Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, The Gods Are Not to Blame tells the poignant story of Odewale, a man entangled in a tragic web of fate. Born into royalty but abandoned to avoid a dreadful prophecy, Odewale unknowingly fulfills it—killing his biological father and marrying his mother.
The narrative unravels dramatically as Odewale, now king, seeks the cause of a plague afflicting his kingdom, only to discover the horrifying truth about his past.
The performance was not only a testament to the students’ artistic talents but also a historic milestone: this cohort marks the final set to undertake the course under the current curriculum. From the 2024/2025 academic intake onward, a new curriculum has been implemented, making this staging a symbolic farewell to an academic tradition.
The themes of the play—fate versus free will, identity, and human responsibility—resonated strongly with the audience, revealing the central message that “the gods are not to blame” for human actions.
This production stands as a remarkable achievement for the students, a proud moment for the Department, and a memorable cultural event that reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to literary and theatrical excellence.
Watch the full performance on YouTube by clicking the link below. https://youtu.be/sg1414viSPk?si=cnx_XuBdBzPTK5KX
