Biodun Jeyifo died on February 11, 2026, at age 80. He succumbed to renal failure in Ibadan, Nigeria. The death occurred five weeks after his 80th birthday celebration.
Early Life and Education
Jeyifo entered the world on January 5, 1946, in Ibadan. He earned a first-class degree in English from the University of Ibadan. Moreover he completed a master’s degree there. Additionally he obtained a doctorate from New York University.
Academic Career
Jeyifo taught at the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University. He later held positions at Cornell University and Harvard University. Meanwhile at Harvard, he served as emeritus professor of African and African American Studies and Comparative Literature. Colleagues respected him for rigorous scholarship and mentorship.
Contributions to Literature
Jeyifo emerged as a leading interpreter of Wole Soyinka’s works. He authored “Wole Soyinka: Politics, Poetics and Postcolonialism” in 2004. The book, published by Cambridge University Press, received international acclaim. Furthermore, his writings covered Anglophone literature, cultural theory, and postcolonial thought.
Activism and Leadership
Jeyifo led the Academic Staff Union of Universities as national president. He fought for academic freedom and better university conditions. As a Marxist critic, he advanced post colonial studies.
Tributes and Legacy
Andrew Haruna, president of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, announced the death. Haruna stated, “His death is a profound loss to Nigeria and the global intellectual community.” The academy added, “It is a significant loss to literary scholarship in Nigeria and beyond.”
In conclusion, organizers held an international symposium in Lagos on January 5, 2026, to honor his contributions. Wole Soyinka attended the event.
