Adieu Prof. Akinwumi Isola, Another Literary Icon is Gone

Death has struck again. This time, it took away Professor Akinwumi Isola, one of Nigeria’s foremost literary icon.

Barely a month for the drums to roll out in celebration of the 79^th birthday of this renowned playwright, actor, culture activist and literary scholar, death had its own plans, plucking him away after a prolonged battle with illness.

Who would have thought that an ‘elephant’ like Akinwumi Isola will fall in hundred years? Who would have imagined that this literary giant who promoted Yoruba culture beyond the shores of Nigeria will answer the call of death at a time when his wisdom is needed most in our socio-political space?

For Professor Akinwumi Isola, death should not be proud because he lived a purposeful life, made his mark and left an indelible mark that would forever be remembered.

Born on Christmas day in 1939 in a remote village in Labode near Ibadan, little did the young Akinwumi and his parents know that his fame will traverse the length and breadth of Ibadan to the world. From his Primary Education at Labode Methodist School to Wesley College where he had his Secondary Education, he defied all odds against his background, mapping out for himself a path to greatness.

Akinwumi was so focused that at undergraduate level at the University College Ibadan, he wrote his first play Efunsetan Aniwura which later became a classic masterpiece culmilating in numerous award for him both home and abroad.

He did not stop there. Oleku, another timeless piece followed in 1986. It is on record that forty thousand people turned out to watch it staged live. Kosegbe, Saworoide, Campus Queen and others followed in the process of time helping him cement his place in the literary circle.

His foray into the academics started as a Graduate Assistant at University of Lagos after bagging a B.A in French language at the University of Ibadan and M.A in Yoruba Literature at the University of Lagos. He would later move to University of Ife where in 1991 he became a professor.

So profound was his love for art and culture that he took a dive into broadcasting, creating a production company that turned many of his plays into television dramas and films. Most of his works were later adapted into films by the veteran cinematographer, Tunde Kelani. 

‘Baba Agba’ as he is fondly called by his children is credited for writing and composing the college anthem still been used by his alma mater (Wesley College) till date.

A fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters and a visiting professor at the University of Georgia, Prof. Akinwumi undeniably made his mark, projecting the Yoruba culture beyond the ancient town of Ibadan and Nigeria. 

He may have taken his last breath on Saturday February 17, 2018 but his lagacies will ensure that his name is mentioned in the same breath as Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, JP Clark and other literary greats.

Adieu Prof! The cock has crow behind a man of letters, a literary icon, a teacher and preserver of culture.