Renowned Nigerian writer, Kole Omotoso, dies at 80

Celebrated Nigerian writer and scholar, Prof. Kole Omotoso, passed away on Wednesday.

The South Africa-based revered scholar-writer clocked 80 on April 21, with members of the Nigerian literary community, including ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, joining family, friends and professional colleagues to celebrate the occasion.

One of the late literary giant’s children and author, Yewande, confirmed Omotoso’s death via an email exchange with our correspondent.

“Our beloved father and husband moved on from this plane on Wednesday, late afternoon.

“We are sharing this with his close and much-loved community and will share more as we gather ourselves. Thank you for your care and love and support. Akin, Pelayo, Yewande and Bukky,’’ Yewande said.

Born in Akure, Ondo State, on April 21, 1943, Omotoso attended King’s College, Lagos, University of Ibadan and the University of Edinburgh.

Famous for his famous 1988 novel which documents evolution of Nigeria as a country, Just Before Dawn, Omotoso left Nigeria at a point for visiting professorships in English at the University of Stirling, National University of Lesotho and later the University of the Western Cape, South Africa, where he was between 1991 and 2000. He also served as a professor at the Drama Department of the Stellenbosch University from 2001 to 2003.

Some of his other works include The Edifice, The Combat, Miracles, Fela’s Choice, Sacrifice, The Curse, and Shadows in the Horizon.