Late Onigegewura , Omaseye, to be buried today in Ibadan

The remains of the late Onigegewura of Ibadan land, Omaseye Bolaji, will be buried today in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital

Recall that the widely published and internationally recognised Ibadan-born author died on May 22 after a brief illness.

The family announced the burial plans for the late chief in a letter to the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Mohood Balogun on Wednesday.

“His unfortunate and unlikely death, no doubt, is a major blow to the family and, indeed, the entire city of Ibadan.

“We are however consoled that he lived a very illustrious and impactful life which earned him worldwide repute and renown as an accomplished literary giant,” the family wrote in the letter.

The late Ibadan chief grew up in England (where he was taken as a baby by his parents), Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. He attended Lagelu Grammar School (Ibadan), Obafemi Awolowo University (Ile Ife).

As a writer he has been recognized largely; apart from many other honours, he garnered a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Free State Arts and Culture (Library Services) Dept; and he was conferred with the Chancellor’s Medal by the University of the Free State (2007). 

In 2008 he was conferred with a traditional African Chieftaincy title by the Olubadan (King) of Ibadanland (in Nigeria), Oba Odulana Odugade in recognition of his contributions to African literature.