Nigeria and the global literary community have bid a poignant farewell to one of Africa's most distinguished scholars, critics, and public intellectuals, Professor Emeritus Biodun Jeyifo (fondly known as BJ), who passed away on February 11, 2026, at the age of 80.
The final tributes culminated in burial rites held in Ibadan, Oyo State, where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka delivered moving eulogies, honoring Jeyifo's unparalleled contributions to African literature, postcolonial studies, cultural theory, academic unionism, and social justice.
In a statement conveyed through the State House, President Tinubu described the late professor as a towering figure whose temperance, foresight, and wisdom profoundly shaped the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), of which Jeyifo was a pioneer president.
The President highlighted Jeyifo's incisive scholarship, his masterful interpretations of African literary works including those of Prof. Wole Soyinka and his lifelong dedication to academic freedom, human dignity, and the production of transformative knowledge.
"Nigeria and the international academic community have lost an outstanding global citizen whose legacy will endure in our pursuit of intellectual excellence and societal progress," President Tinubu said.
Prof. Wole Soyinka, a longtime colleague and friend, led heartfelt remembrances at the Evening of Tributes held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, and during the interment on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
Soyinka recalled Jeyifo's brilliant academic journey at the University of Ibadan, where he graduated with First Class Honours, and praised his unwavering commitment as a Marxist revolutionary, humanist, and critic until his final days.
Soyinka also led members of the Pyrates Confraternity (National Association of Seadogs), which he co-founded, in a symbolic and ceremonial farewell at the graveside in the Anglican Cemetery, St. James the Great Cathedral Burial Ground, Ijokodo, Ibadan chanting traditional refrains and according Jeyifo a "Pyratical burial" in keeping with the group's traditions.
The events drew prominent figures from academia, literature, and activism, including Prof. Femi Osofisan, Prof. Niyi Osundare, current and former ASUU leaders, and scholars who celebrated Jeyifo's role as a foundational thinker in African literary studies.
Tributes emphasized his mentorship of generations, his analysis of modernity's crises, his editorship of seminal works like Modern African Drama, and his activism in promoting engaged scholarship and resistance against oppression.
Born on January 5, 1946, Prof. Biodun Jeyifo was an emeritus professor at Harvard University (African and African American Studies and Comparative Literature), having previously taught at Cornell University, Obafemi Awolowo University, and the University of Ibadan.
He was widely regarded as the preeminent authority on Wole Soyinka's works and a leading voice in postcolonial and Marxist literary theory.
His passing, mere weeks after a grand 80th birthday symposium in Lagos, marks the end of an era in African intellectual history. Yet, his ideas rooted in moral clarity, political courage, and the emancipatory power of culture will continue to inspire scholars, activists, and students worldwide.
The family, friends, colleagues, and admirers of Prof. Biodun Jeyifo extend profound gratitude to all who joined in honoring his remarkable life and legacy.