Good things many believe do not last. Whether or not this is true, this statement may have aptly described the life and times of a young Igbo language literary icon, multitalented that graced this planet and was cut down in the morning of his life.
Tony Ubesie, for the forty four years he lived in the world impacted his environment and quietly bowed, no thanks to a road accident that never allowed the world explore fully the talents he was endowed with. His life was simply eventful and loaded.
Born in Achi, Oji River, local government area of Enugu State February, 1950, Ubesie attended the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he studied Linguistics.
He was many things rolled into one. He was an Igbo language novelist, great writer, cultural activist, poet, broadcaster, theatre director, and a lover of Igbo. He made Igbo language very popular among secondary school students in the 70’s to the 90’s. Many students cut their teeth in the study of Igbo proverb through knowledge acquired from his books which remain inspiring any day.
It was popular among students to cram portions of the novels and competed with each other. The Enugu State born novelist easily passes for one of the modern day Igbo language scholars who popularized the language among students. The exciting nature of his books compelled interest in the language.
As young as he was fought the Biafran war and the experience of the war no doubt guided him in penning one of his popular books called ‘Isi akwu dara n’ala’. The novel is about the story of infidelity and unfaithfulness where Ada had to abandon Chike who went to war to run after what she termed promising young men with loaded pockets.
Unknown to her the table was to turn when Chike arrived from the war with pomp and pageantry with his new found wealth. The novel written by the author in his 23rd year on earth provides a big challenge to youths of this age who are now engrossed with materiality than in intellectual pursuit.
The highly skilled author may not be the first author of Igbo language books according to British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) comments but he appears to be the most popular.
He has to his credit seven books which are ukwa ruo oge ya o daa (1973), Isi akwụ dara n’ala (1973), Mmiri aka e ji egbu ibe (1974), akpana okpoko buuru (1975), Ụkpaka mịịrị onye ụbịam (1975), Jụọ Obinna (1976), Okokporo (1988). Aside from the six books the author was reputed to have written over nine songs in one of the books called Akpa Uche (Wisdom bag) literally.
He met his untimely death at Mmaku in Enugu in the corresponding month of birth February 11, 1994 in a road accident.
Extolling his virtues, one commentator, Christian Aboh, noted that if it were possible for him, he would institute a course of study called the study of Ubesie. This reflects to a greater degree how he is appreciated among his admirers.
He deposited so much within his short span of life surpassing what the first generation Igbo writers did.
The fact that he was not given appropriate recognition is reflective of the dying position of Igbo culture and language. Today, Igbo language has taken the back seat and is facing extinction. Other Nigerian languages appear more popular in use and practice.
It is surprising that most parents no longer fancy speaking the language to its children preferring English as a mark of sophistication. It is not in doubt that Ubesie and the likes of Ogbalu, Nwanna, etc would be turning in their graves over what they labored to institute is rolling back.
When again can we be graced to have such literary giants of Igbo language with burning zeal to perpetuate the language and make it the best among equals. The language of a people represents its identity and we must not fail to keep our name-‘aham efula
It is shocking that the young man has gone and is hardly remembered by those he has impacted or the education. Ubesie is an unsung hero who came and impacted his world. He should be appropriately honoured.
However way we may look at it Tony Ubesie deserves to be honoured.
