Edo marks literary milestone with launch of 'Stanzas from the Bronze Capital'

A significant moment in Nigerian literature has emerged with the release of Stanzas from the Bronze Capital, a groundbreaking poetry anthology that positions Edo State on the national literary map for the first time.

Bringing together a chorus of compelling poetic voices, the collection explores themes of cultural heritage, societal introspection, and enduring reverence for the Oba of Benin. Each poem resonates with a sense of place and purpose, drawing strength from ancestral legacies while grappling with the complexities of contemporary Nigerian life.

The anthology is the result of a creative alliance between Naija Poetry Fest, convened by Godson Osarenren, and the Benin Writers Society, founded by Douglas Ogbankwa. This collaboration gives shape to a literary platform where tradition and modernity intersect, and where the past walks in dialogue with the present.

Eriata Oribhabor, President of the Poets in Nigeria Initiative and author of Crossroads and The Rubicon, provides the foreword. His introduction sets a reflective and authoritative tone for the 109-page volume, which has been meticulously curated by editors Lanre Sonde and Godson Osarenren.

“To walk with poets who embody both the memory of our past and the urgency of our present is a rare gift,” noted Sonde. “This anthology is more than words on paper; it is a living testament to Edo’s voice and vision.”

At the heart of the collection is a deep homage to the Oba of Benin, whose reign remains a powerful emblem of justice, wisdom, and cultural sovereignty. The repeated invocation, Oba gha to kpere, Ise! resounds throughout the anthology, serving both as a tribute and a rallying cry.

Each stanza pulses with the energy of Benin’s soul: from the vibrant cadence of its markets and the echo of ancestral drums, to the unwavering resilience woven into its people’s lived experiences. These poetic works also confront urgent contemporary issues, addressing themes of governance, identity, and survival with clarity and conviction.

Stanzas from the Bronze Capital stands as more than a literary publication. It functions as a cultural landmark—cast in the spirit of bronze and animated by breath. Rooted in Edo’s rich heritage and unafraid to engage with present-day Nigeria, the anthology carves a lasting space for Edo voices within the broader national narrative.

Oba gha to kpere, Ise!