Friends, family gather to bury renowned literary icon Biodun Jeyifo in Ibadan

By Adejayan Gbenga

Biodun Jeyifo, a distinguished Nigerian scholar and literary critic, was buried in his hometown of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State on Wednesday amidst friends, family and colleagues.

The emeritus professor, who also served as the head of the Jeyifous family of Oke-Bola in Ibadan, passed away on February 11 at the ripe age of 80.

The burial took place at the Anglican Cemetery of St. James the Great Cathedral Burial Ground in Ijokodo, Ibadan, with family members, friends, colleagues, and notable dignitaries in attendance.

Among some of the notable personalities present were Oba Adewolu Ladoja, Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, and his longtime friend Yemi Ogunbiyi.

Western Post confirmed that funeral rites began earlier in the week with an evening of tributes held at the Omolayole Hall, University of Ibadan, allowing colleagues and admirers to celebrate his contributions to literature and scholarship.

The Olori-ebi’s academic career began at the former University of Ife and later included teaching appointments at Cornell University and Harvard University, where he became a respected authority in African and African American studies as well as comparative literature.

Born on January 5, 1946, he was widely recognised for his scholarship on the works of Wole Soyinka, particularly his acclaimed book Wole Soyinka: Politics, Poetics and Postcolonialism.