Nigeria Needs a Revolution – Aiyeko – ooto

Cash Onadele Aiyeko – ooto is a US based Nigerian philosopher, poet and playwright. His works are rooted in Yoruba Culture and heritage with messages for readers. He is very disenchanted with the Nigerian nation and convinced a revolution is required for achieving the desired change. In this interview, he dissects his art and proffers solutions to the nation’s current challenges.

How would you describe Aiyeko – ooto as a writer?
I’ve evolved in profiling myself as a writer. Philosophically, I want to be global in my reach, poetically, truthful in perspective, and playfully, authentic in my scope. Not quite easy but I prefer to call myself a Yoruba storyteller. I may have traveled the world but I’m what the Yoruba culture has baked.

What does Aiyeko – ooto strive to achieve in his literary works?
Humanity, tolerance, accommodation. The rewarding impact would be for my reader to examine the particulars of my stories, examine their conscience before they wear the robe of judges.

Aiyeko – ooto writes plays, screen plays, poetry, and prose, how easily does he flow from one literary genre to the other?
Initially, I went from awkward to mechanical and later, to natural, I think. Over time, I’ve learned to combine poetry in prose. In this season, after 52 volumes, I no longer concentrate on anthologies. I want to believe that poetics enhance my prose.

The rich Yoruba culture is very predominant in your books, where did you acquire the influence and why is it the driving force in your books?
Good question. My early childhood was in Odo-alamo, my father’s village. It’s all Yoruba culture. Where people speak in rich dialectic axioms, idioms, and proverbs. I’m sure that contributed a great deal in addition to the fact that my grandfather told stories.

Considering your cultural affinity and proclivity, do you support the agitation for a Yoruba nation?
Our country needs a revolution in its system of governance. I belief in decentralization of police and essential state services. The creation of an overaching regional arrangement of Nigeria. Preferably forcibly detribalized all services. While, I desire our original cultures celebrated, I don’t wish this country broken up. There’s power in population. We just need to harness them.

What do you consider the root cause of our current challenges as a nation?
Tribalism! If I have 15-minutes to run Nigeria, I’ll divide it into 50 Square states with rail lines for borders running north-south and east-west. Then, Highways running through as diagonal fits. Maybe complete mobility will start the change!

From a Diaspora Nigerian perspective, how can we harness the talents scattered all over the globe to rebuild our nation?
I don’t have the perfect answer. But we must find what is positive, inclusive, and revolutionary enough for people to come home. We must show seriousness of purpose. Maybe formation of a National Youth Party and vote out all current members of NASS and sitting governors. Something radical and ginormous.

Our research reveals that Aiyeko – ooto has authored about 67 titles of African literature. Kindly confirm if this is true?
I haven’t analyzed or sliced and diced my body of work in that way. I know my running total is about 85. Whatever I write even if its setting is foreign can easily be translocated. I know I have completed 52 anthologies and 32 fiction and 1 non-fiction. I am currently working on 15 projects in different stages. Some have working titles, others have loglines, many don’t have a clean plot, setting or character list. I spent the last three weeks planning 2022 writing agenda and theme.

With the number of books Aiyeko -ooto has churned out over a short period, what are the plans for making them available in Nigeria?
We’re proactively searching for partners. We’re in the market for a reputable local printer who can take on effective nationwide print and distribution.

Do writers of this generation have a role in nation building like the first-generation Nigerian writers?
Collectively, we have our work cut out for us. We’re not visible and loud enough, maybe for fear of being incarcerated or banned. We need more associations of writers from grassroots to erudite professionals. We are primarily responsible for the reading culture and informing the people. That is not the responsibility of government. We need to create content, which must find its way to education, government, health, all systems.

With 85 published works, what are your future plans for integrating yourself and adding value to the Nigeria literary and arts space?
I have a brand management company, working in partnership with Aiyeko-ooto Productions to work on branding and plan book fairs, book signings, academic alliances, and movie production of some selected works. That would be the first stage of re-entry into the Nigerian literary and art space. Others will follow based on consultations. I dream at some point to set up a Black academy of arts. That way, in collaboration with others, we can influence the next generation.

Your advice for Nigerians especially leadership and followership?
The youth should set up their own national party. Current leadership should step aside into advisory roles. Those who have conscience return all they stole. I believe things can’t continue this way. I’m a strong advocate of a political and ethical revolution, if it can’t be achieved in peace. Everyone who has served and found to be corrupt since 1960 should return all. We need to cleanse the system, there’s no cleansing without sacrifice.