OAU student, Oyindamola Ojo earns recognition for research on Femi Adebayo’s Seven Doors

By Taiwo Oyedeji

For many students, a final year project is just a requirement for graduation. But for Oyindamola Ojo, a Literature student at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, her research became a journey of passion, culture, and discovery. One that earned her public recognition and also led her to meet Nollywood star and cultural icon, Femi Adebayo.

Her project, titled “The Aesthetics of Oral Performance in Femi Adebayo’s Seven Doors,” explores how Yoruba oral traditions such as proverbs, songs, chants, and rituals used in film not just beautify, but reflect Africa’s rich tradition.

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In an exclusive interview with Lagos Voice, Oyindamola shared insights into how she developed interest in oral tradition, and how that passion eventually shaped her research focus.

A Passion for Oral Literature

Oyindamola’s passion for African oral literature began long before her final-year research. Growing up surrounded by Yoruba cultural expressions, she developed a strong interest in oral traditions.

“I have a strong passion for African oral literature in relation to oral performance. The Yoruba are rich in culture and performance, and I wanted to use my project to show how these elements are still alive through modern film.” she explained.

Her work connects the old and the new, bringing ancestral traditions into academic study and modern movies.

Challenges and Research Journey

Choosing a topic that had not been widely studied came with its challenges. While the topic was exciting, conducting the research came with its own challenges. Inspired by her love for cultural studies and the uniqueness of her chosen subject, she was determined.

“The major challenge I faced while conducting the research was getting materials for my literature review,” she recalled. “This area hasn’t received major scholarly attention, so I had to dig deep to find resources that connected oral literature with film aesthetics.”

The Scene That Shaped Her Focus

For Oyindamola, one particular scene in Seven Doors gave direction to her research. It was a scene portraying the ascension tradition of Ọba Adedunjoye, rooted in Yoruba customs of “Ipebi” (seclusion before coronation).

“That scene helped shape my research focus,” she said. “It portrays Yoruba tradition and the process of preparing a king through rituals and chants. I saw how deeply oral performance is embedded in our traditional practices, and I wanted to highlight that,” she further explained.

The Tweet That Changed Everything

Oyindamola’s story took an unexpected turn when she shared photos of her project on X (formerly Twitter), tagging Femi Adebayo in the post.

“I wasn’t expecting anything,” she said. “I just posted my pictures and tagged him. Luckily for me, he saw it and the rest became history.”

Her post went viral, and to her surprise, the actor reacted warmly, celebrating her dedication to Yoruba culture.

“I was elated; you know the feeling!” she said. “Meeting a star actor,a celebrity! It means a lot to me as a student. It reminds me to stay focused and keep studying. As a researcher, it motivates me to keep promoting our culture. And as a fan, I’m glad I met one of my icons in the film industry.”

A Call to Revive Culture

For Oyindamola, her project is more than an academic exercise. It is a call to action. She believes young Nigerians have a role to play in preserving and promoting their traditions. “We can all revive our culture and traditions that have been forgotten in the name of civilization,” she said. “Our traditions still have a powerful place in modern storytelling. We should all value them.”

Ultimately, Oyindamola hopes to continue researching and promoting Yoruba performance culture. “I really want to keep researching and promoting Yoruba performance culture,” she concluded. “Seven Doors showed me that film can project and preserve our oral traditions, and I want to be part of that movement,” she concluded.

Oyindamola’s story is a reminder that research, when rooted in passion and purpose, can do more than earn a degree. It can revive the very traditions that define who we are.