Othuke Ominiabohs is not just a Nigerian novelist, poet, and dramatist. He’s also one of the most influential figures in modern African publishing. His words? Deep. His mission? Even deeper.
“A great story should make you feel deeply.”
— Othuke Ominiabohs, The Republic Interview
From Illness to Ink
Born in Oleh, Delta State, Othuke’s literary journey started on the edge—literally. After a near-death experience battling chronic kidney disease, he chose to write like his life depended on it. That moment led to his first book, Odufa, a self-published work that later made waves.
With a background in Computer Science from the University of Benin, he didn’t follow the typical literary path. But maybe that’s what gave him the boldness to launch Masobe Books in 2018—a publishing house that’s now redefining the Nigerian literary scene.
His Books? They Hit Different
- Odufa (2014) – Shortlisted for the Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature. A striking debut that began as a play.
- Odufa: A Lover’s Tale (2016) – Recognised by both ANA and international awards. A heart-heavy novel on love and loss.
- A Conspiracy of Ravens (2019) – A social-political novel that threads fiction with Nigeria’s real shadows.
- Aviara: Who Will Remember You (2020) – A story about memory, identity, and what truly survives us.
Changing the Game in African Publishing
In 2024, Brittle Paper named him Literary Person of the Year, and it’s not hard to see why.
As the founder of Masobe Books, Ominiabohs has signed 117 authors, published over 100 books, and sold more than 100,000 copies—all in less than a decade. Masobe isn’t just a publisher. It’s become a movement for better editing, bolder stories, and more equitable deals for African writers.
Why His Story Matters
Ominiabohs is the kind of figure who proves that stories can save, shape, and stir up revolutions—not just in plot, but in platforms. Whether you’re a writer, reader, or publisher, his journey is a reminder: bet on your pen, but build your press too.
Categories:
Nigerian Authors, Publishing in Africa, Author Spotlights, Modern Nigerian Literature.
