Tinubu mourns Kole Omotosho, praises his socio-political reassessment of Africa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed his sadness on Thursday at the death of renowned writer, author and literary scholar, Professor Kole Omotoso.

According to a statement released by Dele Alake, Special Advisor to the President on Special Tasks, Communications and Strategy, the President said his passing is a significant loss to Nigeria, Africa and the literary world.

Prof. Omotoso died Wednesday in Cape Town, South Africa, at the age of 80.

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President Tinubu has described Professor Omotoso as a literary giant renowned for his commitment and dedication to the socio-political reassessment of Africa.

He also noted that respect for human dignity was evident in much of the late professor's challenging work.

The statement quoted Tinubu saying, "I am deeply saddened by the passing of the prodigious writer, author and scholar, Professor Kole Omotoso.

"A literary giant best known for his works of fiction and literary criticism, Professor Omotoso's books and collections of short stories have radiated beyond the shores of Nigeria. Africa was his oasis.

"Most of his works spoke of Africa's rebirth and reclaiming the continent's lost glory, much more like what my leadership of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS focuses on Africa, particularly the West African sub-region.

"Prof. Omotoso has infused his commitment and dedication to Africa's socio-political regeneration and respect for human dignity into most of his landmark literary works and interventions, which is why he was so successful in Africa and impacted many people.

"It should be noted that Professor Omotosho's background greatly influenced his work. He grew up during the rise of radical nationalism and was seduced by the potential that lay in the future of his country and Africa.

"His fiction extensively covers the human condition, and themes include intergenerational and interracial relationships. He became particularly 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 after his landmark 1988 book on Nigeria, 'Just Before Dawn', became controversial, leading him to leave the country.

"His departure is a loss for Nigeria, Africa and the literary community.

“I offer my sympathy and condolences to his family, friends, professional colleagues and Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State for the loss of this illustrious son of Africa.

May they all be comforted, and may Professor Omotoso's soul rest in perfect peace."

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