Lagos State Council for Arts & Culture endorses novel, ‘Like Butterflies’
Photo: Mr Idowu Johnson, LSCAC’s CEO (right), with Abeeb Lekan Sodiq (left), author of Like Butterflies / © LSCAC
The Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture (LSCAC) has endorsed Like Butterflies, a debut historical fiction novel by Nigerian author Abeeb Lekan Sodiq, citing its strong cultural and historical relevance.
The endorsement places the novel among a select number of literary works acknowledged by the Council over the years for their contribution to culture and storytelling.
Speaking after a meeting with the author, the Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Mr Idowu Johnson, described the novel as “insightful” after reading it. The author also met with members of the Council’s staff, whom he described as warm and supportive.
Set against the backdrop of the 19th-century Oyo Empire, Like Butterflies follows the story of Sisi, a kidnapped princess forced into slavery and stripped of her identity within a system that reduces human beings to commodities.
Through the protagonist’s journey, the novel explores the psychological and structural dimensions of oppression, while highlighting resistance, survival, and the desire for freedom. Although largely set in the Oyo Empire, the novel also references the colonial Gold Coast, now Ghana, and Dahomey, the present-day Republic of Benin.
Following the endorsement from LSCAC, Aderonke Abati, a staff member of the Council, invited the author for an interview to discuss the book and its themes. The endorsement by LSCAC comes amid growing recognition for the novel both locally and internationally.
According to previous coverage by TheAfricanDream.net, former United States Ambassador Pamela E. Bridgewater (rtd) endorsed the manuscript before publication, describing it as part of a new wave of Afrocentric storytelling that engages with complex historical realities.
The novel has also received royal endorsements from traditional rulers in Lagos State, Nigeria. His Royal Majesty, Oba Ibrahim Olasunkanmi Lawal-Bello, Aremo Olofin Ogunfunminire (Olanwa 1 Olofin V) of Isheri Olofin Kingdom, Alimosho, Lagos State, hosted the author for a private audience on April 5, alongside Her Royal Highness, Olori Yetunde Olofintade.
During the meeting, moderated by Prince Durojaiye Sodiq Olamilekan, Chief of Staff to the Oba of Isheri Olofin, the monarch praised the novel’s historical depth and cultural storytelling. Describing the work as “a remarkable expression of creativity,” Oba Lawal-Bello commended its exploration of tyranny, leadership, and the fight for freedom.
“This book is more than just a story,” said HRM Oba Lawal-Bello to TheAfricanDream.net, “it addresses an important theme like tyranny, especially how power, when left unchecked, can become too dangerous to control. The reader will see this clearly in the book, with a king who profits from selling his own people. It reminds us of the responsibility that comes with leadership and the consequences when that responsibility is ignored.”
Similarly, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adewale Abdul, Olusi II, the Olofin Ajaye of Orugbo Iddo Kingdom in Ikosi-Ejirin, Epe, also endorsed the novel during a private meeting attended by four village heads on April 29.
The monarch expressed support for the book’s exploration of the 19th-century slave era in Oyo history and described it as a valuable educational resource for young readers.
“What the book needs is a platform, and I’m ready to give it that,” the monarch said, adding that he intends to support its introduction to schools within the community.
Like Butterflies is currently available in RovingHeights Bookstores across multiple Nigerian states, including Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja and Kaduna. It is also available in Accra, Ghana, in Freedom Bookshop. For readers who are interested in an ebook instead, they can order from Selar locally and internationally. Readers can also make inquiries via +234 8053 399 468.
Written by Oral Ofori
