President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed sadness on Thursday over the passing of celebrated writer, author, and literary scholar, Professor Kole Omotoso.
According to a statement issued by Dele Alake, Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy, the president said his demise is a significant loss to Nigeria, Africa, and the literary world.
Prof. Omotoso died in Cape Town, South Africa on Wednesday at the age of 80.
President Tinubu described Prof. Omotoso as a literary giant reputed for his commitment and dedication to the socio-political reappraisal of Africa.
He also noted that respect for human dignity was evident in most of the thought-provoking works of the late Professor.
The statement quoted Tinubu as saying: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of the prodigious writer, author, and academic, Prof. Kole Omotoso.
“A literary giant best known for his works of fiction and literary criticism, Prof. Omotoso’s books and collections of short stories radiated beyond the shores of Nigeria. Africa was his oasis.
“Most of his works harped on Africa’s renaissance and for the continent to win back her lost glory, much more like what my leadership of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government is focused on doing for Africa, particularly the West Africa sub-region.
“Prof. Omotoso infused his commitment and dedication to the socio-political regeneration of Africa and respect for human dignity into most of his literary works and seminal interventions, which is why he had such a huge following in Africa and impacted many.
“It is worthy of note that Prof. Omotosho’s background greatly influenced his works. He grew up during the rising tide of radical nationalism and was enamoured by the potential that lay in the future of his country and Africa.
“His fiction ranges widely over the human condition, and the themes include intergenerational and interracial relationships. He particularly became popular for works like ‘Just Before Dawn,’ ‘The Edifice,’ ‘The Combat,’ ‘Sacrifice,’ and ‘Fela Choice.’
“Prof. Omotoso lived most of his life and died in South Africa, where he moved to after his 1988 historical book about Nigeria, ‘Just Before Dawn,’ became controversial, leading to his leaving the country.
“His departure is a loss to Nigeria, Africa, and to the literary community.
“I offer my sympathy and condolences to his family, friends, professional colleagues, and to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State for the loss of this illustrious son of Africa.
May they all be comforted, and may the soul of Prof. Omotoso rest in perfect peace.”
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