Professor Gbemi Adeoti of Obafemi Awolowo University has been named joint winner of the 2025 Poetry Prize of the Association of Nigerian Authors for his latest collection, ‘Stoning the Wind’.

The university announced the win in a Facebook post, describing it as a proud moment for Great Ife and a testament to the intellectual and creative strength of its English Department.

“This prestigious award celebrates the exceptional literary talent of our professor from the Department of English. This achievement brings great pride to OAU,” the statement said.

Mr Adeoti received the honour during the 44th ANA International Convention, where he was pictured holding his plaque and certificate of recognition. 

The ANA poetry prize, one of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected literary honours, recognises works that advance the craft of poetry while engaging with the social and political realities of the time.

Mr Adeoti is a  celebrated poet, playwright, and literary scholar.

He lectures in the Department of English at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where he has also served as Director of the Institute of Cultural Studies.

He first gained attention with his debut collection, Naked Soles, which established him as a poet deeply attuned to the realities of ordinary Nigerians. 

His academic works include essays on African literature and performance, and he frequently references figures such as Wole Soyinka and Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o.