President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday, expressed deep sorrow, over the death of a celebrated literary writer, and author in Africa, Professor Kole Omotoso.
Tinubu moaned about the death of the literary icon, who died at the age of 80 years, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Special Duties and Communication Strategy.
Prof. Omotoso who died in Cape Town, South Africa on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, was one of the bigwigs in the literary world and a celebrated author in Africa.
Reacting to the news of his death, President Tinubu described Prof. Omotoso as a literary giant that is reputed for his commitment and dedication to the socio-political reappraisal of Africa.
He stated that respect for human dignity was evident in most of the thought-provoking literary works of the late Professor.
The statement reads:
“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of 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 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.”
