Akinwumi Isola played his part meritoriously, exited gloriously, says Ajimobi

Akinwumi Isola played his part meritoriously, exited gloriously, says Ajimobi

Saturday, February 17, 2018 11:15 pm


Late Professor Ishola

Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has described the death of the renowned playwright and literary giant, Prof. Akinwunmi Isola,  as a colossal loss to the state, the Yoruba race and the world at large.

Ajimobi said this in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka and made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the late renowned playwright,Akinwumi  Ishola,79,  died in the early hours of Saturday at his Bolajoko-Akobo residence in Ibadan.

Ajimobi said that he received the news of the death of the Ibadan-born culture ambassador and progenitor of Yoruba literature with disbelief and utter shock.

“By his death, the state has lost a venerated son of the soil, who devoted his life to the promotion of the Yoruba culture through his creative works and huge contributions to the global body of knowledge.

“As a student at the University of Ibadan, Isola wrote ‘Efunsetan Aniwura,’ a play that remained a timeless piece in teaching lessons on abuse of power and retribution.

” His epic novel, ‘O leku,’ was also evergreen,” the governor said

The governor, quoting from William Shakespeare’s book ‘As You Like it’, said the world was a stage, where Ishola played his part meritoriously and gloriously exited to be with his maker.

According to him, “Isola was a blessing to his Alma Mata, Wesley College in Ibadan because he composed the school anthem, which is still in use till date.

“He was a man of many parts. Not only was he a prolific writer,  he was also a talented actor and astute broadcaster who churned out many plays, drama series and box office films.

“Isola was an unabashed believer in the promotion of the Yoruba language, which he once demonstrated by being the first person to deliver a university convocation lecture in Yoruba at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko in Ondo State.

“But, in the words of William Shakespeare ‘All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances;

“And one man in his time plays many parts.

“Baba has played his parts and he has exited gloriously, ” Ajimobi said.

He  sympathised with the family of the late icon, whom he eulogized as a worthy son of Ibadanland, and prayed that the Lord would grant his soul a peaceful rest.

He also prayed that God would  grant his family as well as the creative and literary communities the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.


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