HRM Oba Lawal-Bello endorses the novel ‘Like Butterflies’
Picture (L-R): HRH Olori Yetunde Olofintade, HRM Oba Ibrahim Olasunkanmi Lawal-Bello, Abeeb Lekan Sodiq, and Prince Durojaiye Sodiq Olamilekan with copies of ‘Like Butterflies’ at the royal endorsement meeting / © TheAfricanDream.net
‘Like Butterflies’, a debut historical fiction novel by Nigerian author, Abeeb Lekan Sodiq, has received royal endorsement from His Royal Majesty, Oba Ibrahim Olasunkanmi Lawal-Bello, Aremo Olofin Ogunfunminire (Olanwa 1 Olofin V) of Isheri Olofin Kingdom, Alimosho, Lagos State, Nigeria.
His Majesty, widely renowned for his support of youth initiatives and creative ideas, hosted the author at a private audience in his palace on April 5, following a personal invitation from him and his Queen, Her Royal Highness Olori Yetunde Olofintade. The meeting was moderated by Prince Durojaiye Sodiq Olamilekan, Chief of Staff to the Oba of Isheri Ilofin.
During what was described as a “lengthy and engaging discussion”, His Majesty expressed profound admiration for the novel, particularly its ability to merge historical depth with cultural storytelling rooted in the 19th-century Oyo Empire.
Describing the work as “a remarkable expression of creativity,” Oba Lawal-Bello commended its bold engagement with themes of tyranny, power, and 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. Reader will see this clearly in the boo, 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.”
Set against the backdrop of the 19th-century Oyo Empire, Like Butterflies tells the story of Sisi, a kidnapped princess forced into slavery and stripped of her identity within a system that reduces human beings to “parcels” or commodities.
Through her journey, the novel examines the psychological and structural dimensions of oppression. It also portrayed the human instinct to resist, and a desire to eventually fly free like butterflies from bondage.
The book has already gained international attention. According to a previous coverage by TheAfricanDream.net, former United States Ambassador Pamela E. Bridgewater (rtd) was the first to endorse the novel while it was still a manuscript, describing it as part of a new wave of Afrocentric storytelling that engages with complex historical realities.
HRM Oba Lawal-Bello further emphasised the importance of storytelling as a tool for cultural preservation and societal transformation.
“Across nations and generations, storytelling remains one of our strongest tools for preserving our culture and history as a people, and also for preserving the truth and inspiring change,” he said to TheAfricanDream.net.“This novel speaks not only to Nigeria, but to the world.”
In show of support, His Majesty acquired ten copies of the book and initiated discussions on its potential cultural and educational application, including possible ceremonial use within the Isheri Olofin Kingdom and an eventual inclusion in Lagos State’s educational curriculum.
The novel was also featured in a governance dialogue at the palace on April 8, when His Majesty received Honourable Ganiyu Ayuba Adele, Member of the House of Representatives representing Alimosho Federal Constituency, during a courtesy visit.
“As part of our engagement, I presented to him an engaging and thought-provoking novel, Like Butterflies, authored by one of our own, Abeeb Lekan Sodiq, for his kind recommendation,” His Majesty said in a public statement.
Discussions during the visit centered on the state of affairs within the constituency, with the lawmaker outlining key achievements recorded over three years in office, as well as ongoing challenges. The engagement further highlighted the intersection between literature, civic consciousness, and governance.
Oba Lawal-Bello stressed that effective grassroots governance remains critical to sustaining public trust and long-term leadership success, while also underscoring the role of traditional institutions as essential stakeholders in promoting inclusive and impactful governance.
The author, Sodiq described the royal endorsement as both humbling and affirming, noting that the novel was conceived to provoke critical conversations around justice, dignity, and the human cost of oppression.
“Like Butterflies was written to spark dialogue about freedom, responsibility, and the courage it takes to confront oppression and tyranny,” he said. The novel 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 that are interested in ebook instead, they can order on Selar locally and internationally.
Written by Oral Ofori
