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Don't Tell Daddy What Happened in Lagos
The Archbishop is dead.
His family prepares for a solemn memorial dinner, but chaos lurks beneath the surface of their pristine lives. His son, a pastor, desperately tries to suppress a scandalous blackmail, his teenage daughter goes into hiding, and his sensible daughter carries the weight of a big lie.
Their mother arrives in Lagos determined to set her family straight and protect her husband's legacy, but quickly gets swept up in a madcap series of events that unfold.
The story explores, with lighthearted humor, the real lives of people dealing with grief while navigating the complex web of public faith and private lives.
Yemi Odunfa's other hit play, 'What the Steward Saw,' has been produced by Baneo Theatre and staged at the Muson Centre, Lagos, and 444 Theatre, Atlanta. He has also written plays for local community theaters and groups.
His family prepares for a solemn memorial dinner, but chaos lurks beneath the surface of their pristine lives. His son, a pastor, desperately tries to suppress a scandalous blackmail, his teenage daughter goes into hiding, and his sensible daughter carries the weight of a big lie.
Their mother arrives in Lagos determined to set her family straight and protect her husband's legacy, but quickly gets swept up in a madcap series of events that unfold.
The story explores, with lighthearted humor, the real lives of people dealing with grief while navigating the complex web of public faith and private lives.
Yemi Odunfa's other hit play, 'What the Steward Saw,' has been produced by Baneo Theatre and staged at the Muson Centre, Lagos, and 444 Theatre, Atlanta. He has also written plays for local community theaters and groups.
101 pages, Paperback
Published April 29, 2024
18 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
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October 13, 2024Read it in an hour.
Shocking twist.
Once again, the answer to sexual assault in a family is handled wrongly. Sad that the urge to cover up supersedes the need for justice for the victims. Things need to change.
This was a captivating and very realistic story
Shocking twist.
Once again, the answer to sexual assault in a family is handled wrongly. Sad that the urge to cover up supersedes the need for justice for the victims. Things need to change.
This was a captivating and very realistic story
December 18, 2024
I am still in shock
What did I just read ??!
What did I just read ??!
October 22, 2024
I have a lot of questions.😭 This was really good, I must confess.
January 13, 2025
WHAT DID I JUST READ ???
Lol. I wish this was a full blown novel cos whatttt ????
Lol. I wish this was a full blown novel cos whatttt ????
June 16, 2025
From the very title and evocative cover — Don’t Tell Daddy What Happened in Lagos — I was immediately drawn into a space of unspoken secrets, spiritual tension, and the weight of silence.
Synopsis & Themes
This riveting play unpacks the machinations behind a “perfect” pastor’s family gathering for the one-year remembrance of their patriarch. On the surface, they radiate respectability … but beneath lie fractures of abuse, betrayal, and generational grief.
Yomi, the firstborn pastor, is seemingly the perfect heir but harbors dark, predatory behavior that shatters trust.
Oyin, the second child, is the heartbroken daughter who remains oblivious to the family's rot until the truth unravels before her.
Kike, the youngest, is a pregnant teen whose pregnancy — and the person responsible — serve as the ultimate shockwave through the family’s façade.
Mrs. Oye, their mother, torn between unconditional love and moral responsibility, orchestrates concealment at any cost.
Amy, the intern, and Stephen, Oyin’s boyfriend, serve as outsiders who expose the drama and hypocrisy within.
Strengths
Writing & Pacing: Odunfa’s dialogue is razor-sharp — every exchange carefully structured to reveal layered truths. Exposition never stalls; tension builds steadily.
Character Depth: Each family member is carefully crafted — flawed, conflicted, and tragically human. Their secrets and silences breathe vivid life into the narrative.
Emotional Impact: I was hit hardest at the climax — when the real symbolism of “Daddy” emerged. My heart raced, and I was left stunned.
Minor Quibble
At times, the narrative pacing slows as it lays out backstory, but these pauses serve to deepen our emotional investment in the characters and their dilemmas.
Final Thoughts:
Yemi Odunfa’s play is a potent exploration of faith, power, and silence — a family drama that refuses complacency. Don’t Tell Daddy What Happened in Lagos isn’t mere theater; it's a mirror reflecting the lies we tell to preserve facades, and the pain we bury in the name of spirituality.
Perfect for readers of sharp, character-driven drama, this is a play that stays with you long after the curtain falls.
🔥 Overall Grade: 4.2/5 stars — profound, provocative, and unforgettable.
Synopsis & Themes
This riveting play unpacks the machinations behind a “perfect” pastor’s family gathering for the one-year remembrance of their patriarch. On the surface, they radiate respectability … but beneath lie fractures of abuse, betrayal, and generational grief.
Yomi, the firstborn pastor, is seemingly the perfect heir but harbors dark, predatory behavior that shatters trust.
Oyin, the second child, is the heartbroken daughter who remains oblivious to the family's rot until the truth unravels before her.
Kike, the youngest, is a pregnant teen whose pregnancy — and the person responsible — serve as the ultimate shockwave through the family’s façade.
Mrs. Oye, their mother, torn between unconditional love and moral responsibility, orchestrates concealment at any cost.
Amy, the intern, and Stephen, Oyin’s boyfriend, serve as outsiders who expose the drama and hypocrisy within.
Strengths
Writing & Pacing: Odunfa’s dialogue is razor-sharp — every exchange carefully structured to reveal layered truths. Exposition never stalls; tension builds steadily.
Character Depth: Each family member is carefully crafted — flawed, conflicted, and tragically human. Their secrets and silences breathe vivid life into the narrative.
Emotional Impact: I was hit hardest at the climax — when the real symbolism of “Daddy” emerged. My heart raced, and I was left stunned.
Minor Quibble
At times, the narrative pacing slows as it lays out backstory, but these pauses serve to deepen our emotional investment in the characters and their dilemmas.
Final Thoughts:
Yemi Odunfa’s play is a potent exploration of faith, power, and silence — a family drama that refuses complacency. Don’t Tell Daddy What Happened in Lagos isn’t mere theater; it's a mirror reflecting the lies we tell to preserve facades, and the pain we bury in the name of spirituality.
Perfect for readers of sharp, character-driven drama, this is a play that stays with you long after the curtain falls.
🔥 Overall Grade: 4.2/5 stars — profound, provocative, and unforgettable.
August 12, 2024
Thank you yemi odunfa for giving me an arc copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
QUOTE
"For every one of us, one day, a raging storm will enter our lives, and it will disrespect all our daydreams."
"Grief is a painfully complex road. It will force you to journey far away from the simplicity of delicate faith into strange places. A curious dichotomy of losing ourselves in the hope of being truly, deeply found. I hope to be found by You, like lost sheep and one kobo coin".
LIGHT, CAMERA, ACTION
I devoured this book in one sitting - it's that good. I can't begin to describe how well written this book was, the simplicity and how the book draws the reader in wanting more and i believe that the book deserve more than just being acted on stage.
The writer takes us on a journey between three siblings and their mother trying to overcome grief and seek comfort, while also quetioning their faith after the death of their beloved father/husband the archbishop.
Not only did the writer take us on the journey of the characters grief,their shortcomings and also the lies and deceit, it also brought with it some dark twists that had me gasping. If you're looking for a quick, thought-provoking read that will stay with you long after you finish the book, look no further. Yemi Odunfa has written a masterpiece that will resonate with anyone who's ever experienced loss, doubt, or the power of family bonds.
QUOTE
"For every one of us, one day, a raging storm will enter our lives, and it will disrespect all our daydreams."
"Grief is a painfully complex road. It will force you to journey far away from the simplicity of delicate faith into strange places. A curious dichotomy of losing ourselves in the hope of being truly, deeply found. I hope to be found by You, like lost sheep and one kobo coin".
LIGHT, CAMERA, ACTION
I devoured this book in one sitting - it's that good. I can't begin to describe how well written this book was, the simplicity and how the book draws the reader in wanting more and i believe that the book deserve more than just being acted on stage.
The writer takes us on a journey between three siblings and their mother trying to overcome grief and seek comfort, while also quetioning their faith after the death of their beloved father/husband the archbishop.
Not only did the writer take us on the journey of the characters grief,their shortcomings and also the lies and deceit, it also brought with it some dark twists that had me gasping. If you're looking for a quick, thought-provoking read that will stay with you long after you finish the book, look no further. Yemi Odunfa has written a masterpiece that will resonate with anyone who's ever experienced loss, doubt, or the power of family bonds.
April 29, 2025
It’s been a long time since I read a play, and Don’t Tell Daddy What Happened in Lagos was a gripping return to the genre. The story is emotive and layered, sparking lively conversation during our discussion with the author — who, by the way, brought a great sense of humor and added to the overall enjoyment.
What struck me most was how deeply the characters reflected familiar family dynamics and societal expectations. I felt especially let down by the first daughter, who goes along with everything she’s told, bearing the weight of her siblings’ secrets just to keep the family’s image intact. The elder brother, Oyin, walks through the story without true accountability, and the younger sister holds onto a secret that changes everything.
But the biggest shock for me was the woman agreeing to marry Oyin — a man now hiding behind the cloth as a pastor, stepping into his deceased father’s shoes as an archbishop — simply to cover up his past mistakes. That moment said so much about silence, sacrifice, and the cost of keeping up appearances.
What struck me most was how deeply the characters reflected familiar family dynamics and societal expectations. I felt especially let down by the first daughter, who goes along with everything she’s told, bearing the weight of her siblings’ secrets just to keep the family’s image intact. The elder brother, Oyin, walks through the story without true accountability, and the younger sister holds onto a secret that changes everything.
But the biggest shock for me was the woman agreeing to marry Oyin — a man now hiding behind the cloth as a pastor, stepping into his deceased father’s shoes as an archbishop — simply to cover up his past mistakes. That moment said so much about silence, sacrifice, and the cost of keeping up appearances.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2025
Don't Tell Daddy What Happened in Lagos by Yemi Odunfa @podsixteen is a bold and thought-provoking story that dives deep into family dynamics, secrets, and societal expectations.
I appreciated the way the author portrayed the struggles of a religious family trying to maintain their image while dealing with personal flaws and hidden truths. The blend of humor and tragedy made the story relatable especially within a Nigerian context where appearances and reputation often take center stage.
The plot twist, though surprising, felt slightly rushed, and I would have loved a deeper exploration of its aftermath.
Overall, the book offers a raw and sometimes uncomfortable look at faith, grief, and the weight of expectations. It's a good read that balances humor with heavier themes, even if it left me wishing for a bit more depth in certain areas.
I appreciated the way the author portrayed the struggles of a religious family trying to maintain their image while dealing with personal flaws and hidden truths. The blend of humor and tragedy made the story relatable especially within a Nigerian context where appearances and reputation often take center stage.
The plot twist, though surprising, felt slightly rushed, and I would have loved a deeper exploration of its aftermath.
Overall, the book offers a raw and sometimes uncomfortable look at faith, grief, and the weight of expectations. It's a good read that balances humor with heavier themes, even if it left me wishing for a bit more depth in certain areas.
November 19, 2024
I have a healthy aversion to surprises, that's in fiction although I'll take a surprise gift 🌝🌝🌝. Anyways back to the book, "don't tell daddy what happened in Lagos", I was confused because it's a play and it has been a while since I read plays. The book seemed badly written but well, all plays seem like that to me.
This book shooked me, yes it's not a word but I was surprised and flabbergasted by the turn of events. This is not a synopsis and I'm not going to spoil it for you, but let me tell you, that book is very much worth your time.
The ending had a sort of monologue poem thingy going on and I'm a sucker for poems and this poem was IT.
Don't tell daddy what happened to Lagos, a book worth your read. .
An 8.5/10
~ Bookyopath
This book shooked me, yes it's not a word but I was surprised and flabbergasted by the turn of events. This is not a synopsis and I'm not going to spoil it for you, but let me tell you, that book is very much worth your time.
The ending had a sort of monologue poem thingy going on and I'm a sucker for poems and this poem was IT.
Don't tell daddy what happened to Lagos, a book worth your read. .
An 8.5/10
~ Bookyopath
October 27, 2024
Short but powerful story
This story is written in a stage play format and its surrounds three siblings, their mother and the church paralegal. After the dead of their father and husband archbishop. The normal sequal, is for the eldest Son Oyin to take up his fathers legacy, in the course of preparing himself, he is also spiralling. He isn't handling the lost of his father and new role very well. This lead to a scandal that will tarnish his whole famillies image. How does he deal with the scandal quietly without his beloved mother finding out?
Read the story to find out, the plot twists will have you in awe.
This story is written in a stage play format and its surrounds three siblings, their mother and the church paralegal. After the dead of their father and husband archbishop. The normal sequal, is for the eldest Son Oyin to take up his fathers legacy, in the course of preparing himself, he is also spiralling. He isn't handling the lost of his father and new role very well. This lead to a scandal that will tarnish his whole famillies image. How does he deal with the scandal quietly without his beloved mother finding out?
Read the story to find out, the plot twists will have you in awe.
December 8, 2024
I did not expect the twist and I was very irritated by it.
This was a short play so I’m not expecting to delve deep into the characters but an incestous rapist ?
Really?
Again this didn’t promise to do anything more than it did, and it was relatively well written but I didn’t care about any of the characters, I didn’t care about any of the stakes because it didn’t seem worthwhile to me.
Why should I care that a 39 year old is scared of his mother after all the series of bad decisions he made that got him there?
I’m not sure if this being longer would’ve made it better, after all that’s one of the good things about this, you can definitely get through it in an hour.
This was a short play so I’m not expecting to delve deep into the characters but an incestous rapist ?
Really?
Again this didn’t promise to do anything more than it did, and it was relatively well written but I didn’t care about any of the characters, I didn’t care about any of the stakes because it didn’t seem worthwhile to me.
Why should I care that a 39 year old is scared of his mother after all the series of bad decisions he made that got him there?
I’m not sure if this being longer would’ve made it better, after all that’s one of the good things about this, you can definitely get through it in an hour.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2025
Despite the serious themes, the story maintains a lighthearted tone, offering a unique perspective on dealing with grief and familial obligations.
Yemi Odunfa's portrayal of a family's turmoil following the loss of its leader is both engaging and thought-provoking. The characters are, each grappling with personal dilemmas that reflect broader societal issues, particularly the pressure to maintain a flawless public image despite underlying imperfections. The infusion of humor amidst the unfolding drama adds depth, making the narrative relatable and poignant. Overall, it's a compelling exploration of the intersection between personal grief and public expectation.
Yemi Odunfa's portrayal of a family's turmoil following the loss of its leader is both engaging and thought-provoking. The characters are, each grappling with personal dilemmas that reflect broader societal issues, particularly the pressure to maintain a flawless public image despite underlying imperfections. The infusion of humor amidst the unfolding drama adds depth, making the narrative relatable and poignant. Overall, it's a compelling exploration of the intersection between personal grief and public expectation.
October 14, 2024
Where do I start? This book is realistic in a way that isn't ordinary. It perfectly expresses Nigerians' obsession with creating the perfect image for a religious leader, even when they are undeserving of respect and honor. Although, I felt the way the plan was enacted was too suspicious to not have at least gotten raised a few eyebrows from Yomi and Oyin.
The anger I felt when I realized Yomi was the perpetrator too was similar to how the mother reacted. Overall, it's a good book I feel should have more traction
The anger I felt when I realized Yomi was the perpetrator too was similar to how the mother reacted. Overall, it's a good book I feel should have more traction
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2025
It was pretty good to be fair. It seemed like a standard play. Well organised and written (minus a few linguistic errors). I will say the ending was one of the most unexpected plot twists I’ve encountered. I was genuinely shocked.
As disturbing as it was it’s the reality of so many girls around the world. I like how the book didn’t shy away from exposing certain occurrences amongst religious leaders. At one point it even quoted something relating to this.
Definitely a 4 star book (play). Possibly even 4.5 just because of its realness.
As disturbing as it was it’s the reality of so many girls around the world. I like how the book didn’t shy away from exposing certain occurrences amongst religious leaders. At one point it even quoted something relating to this.
Definitely a 4 star book (play). Possibly even 4.5 just because of its realness.
December 3, 2024
I expected the twist, yet it still shocked me.
The focus on grief and the diverse way that each of the characters handled it made every page more intense and insightful than the last. Additionally, the incorporation of religion, with its demands and expectations in the face of human weaknesses, added another compelling layer
If you're looking for something brief, yet deep, then this play is for you.
The focus on grief and the diverse way that each of the characters handled it made every page more intense and insightful than the last. Additionally, the incorporation of religion, with its demands and expectations in the face of human weaknesses, added another compelling layer
If you're looking for something brief, yet deep, then this play is for you.
December 26, 2024
I really don’t like this book fr,at first it was looking like an interesting story line Buh you see the twist? Was pure nonsense fr,how the last daughter is pregnant for the first son,everything was just confusing and wasn’t correlating at all,also the title should have even be don’t tell mummy what happened in Lagos instead. How the mother knew all of what’s been happening like the twist wasn’t just adding up fr,the author should do better.
February 5, 2025
A quick play showcasing how ‘people of faith’ react differently to grief, loss, abuse and death. If you are a fan of religious scandals, you might find it entertaining. The only pitfall for me is that it ended too abruptly. The climax and anticlimax of the book happened within 2 pages of each other. I think there should have been more drama ensuing after such a big secret was revealed in the family.
January 19, 2026
This is a play set in Lagos, Nigeria. It’s about a dysfunctional family struggling to deal with grief. They present a picture perfect family to the rest of the world while they hide and deal with very disturbing secrets.
The plot twist at the end shocked me…I did not see that coming at all, and if this play was developed into a full novel, I’d definitely read it. I love how in the midst of all the drama, there were lines and pieces of advice that made me pause for a moment to actually think.
The plot twist at the end shocked me…I did not see that coming at all, and if this play was developed into a full novel, I’d definitely read it. I love how in the midst of all the drama, there were lines and pieces of advice that made me pause for a moment to actually think.
February 21, 2025
Beautiful read.. Yomi should be flogged with wet canes. The plot twist at the end had my mouth opened like whattt!! It ended too abruptly as well. Love that the story could be easily finished in one read but the way it ended could have been better. A nice read overall
October 10, 2024
Wow! This book is just...... i have no words!!
October 21, 2024
This is a really good drama, the unexpected twist was the highlight for me.
November 6, 2024
Amazing plot twist. Totally Speechless
December 2, 2024
This was an interesting quick read. I don't like drama, but this was nice.
December 10, 2024
what the heck did i just read???!!! the last few pages, excuse meeee
January 11, 2025
It was overhyped by booktokers and the plot wasn’t even twisting at all
January 16, 2025
3.5⭐️. All I have to say is Pastor Yomi!!!!!!!
January 25, 2025
It was just spectacular and just wowwww
February 2, 2025
What!!!!!!
February 7, 2025
This was a whirlwind of a book, and it highlights what happens when people don't deal with their emotions primarily grief, crazy plot twist towards the end.
February 9, 2025
I am absolutely shooketh! What was that ending?!😭😭😭 Omo daddy must not find out what happened in Lagos fr😭
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews