Veteran actors, directors and cultural figures will reconvene on Sunday, 1 November 2026, at the [National Theatre, Lagos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Theatre,_Lagos) to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Ajofest ’86, a landmark independent theatre festival that challenged military rule through satire and original drama. The event, titled “Ajofest ’86 – 40 Years Later: Reunion and Reflections”, is being co‑hosted by the [National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP)](https://nantap.org.ng) and will also be streamed online for wider access.
Key facts:
- Ajofest ’86 showcased four plays written by lawyer‑playwright Dr Fred Agbeyegbe: *The King Must Dance Naked*, *Woe Unto Death*, *The Last Omen* and *Budiso*.
- The original festival ran over four weekends, drawing large audiences to the National Theatre during a period of military governance.
- Notable participants included future Nollywood stars such as Richard Mofe‑Damijo, Antar Laniyan, Ayo Lijadu, Lara Akinsola and Sola Awojobi.
- The reunion will feature a keynote by former Guardian arts editor Ben Tomoloju, a panel moderated by Dr Lookman Sanusi, and reflections from scholars like Professor Segun Ojewuyi.
- Tributes will honour late contributors Jide Ogungbade, Pero Sosan, Victoria Ajomeyimje and others.
What was Ajofest ’86?
Ajofest was an independent theatre venture launched in 1986 by Dr Fred Agbeyegbe, who financed the festival through private means rather than relying on state support. The productions blended political commentary with experimental staging, offering a bold alternative to the government‑run theatrical scene of the time.
Who are the key organisers?
The reunion is being coordinated by Dr Lillian Agbeyegbe, who described Ajofest as “a bold act of private investment in Nigerian theatre, and its plays spoke truth at a critical time in our national life.” NANTAP’s national president, Adeniran Makinde, added that the association’s involvement underscores its dedication to preserving the foundations of modern Nigerian performance.
Why is the reunion significant?
Beyond nostalgia, the gathering aims to capture oral histories from surviving participants and share them with emerging artists. Organisers hope the event will reinforce the festival’s influence on career trajectories and on the evolution of [theatre in Nigeria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theatre_of_Nigeria), demonstrating how independent productions can reshape cultural dialogue.
What can attendees expect?
The Crown Troupe of Africa will lead dramatic readings of the original four plays, while panelists—including Mofe‑Damijo, Lijadu, Yomi Layinka and Akinsola—discuss the festival’s artistic achievements and its lasting impact on the Nigerian stage. The programme also includes tributes to the late artistic director Jide Ogungbade and other pioneers.
In summary, the 40‑year reunion serves both as a celebration of a historic moment in Nigerian theatre and as a conduit for passing its legacy to the next generation of performers and audiences.