Biodun Jeyifo @80: A Reunion Of Nigeria’s Literary Greats
By JULIET EKANEM
A Reunion of Minds: Scholars Celebrate Biodun Jeyifo’s 80th Birthday in Ibadan
THE city of Ibadan played host to a rare convergence of literary minds on 9 January 2026 as scholars, writers and publishers gathered to honour Professor Biodun Jeyifo at 80. The event, held at the Tunde Odunlade Arts Gallery in New Bodija, served as both a birthday celebration and a reunion of academic peers who have shared decades of intellectual engagement with the celebrated critic.
Organised by Professor Femi Osofisan and a circle of close associates, the gathering followed a symposium held days earlier in Lagos by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism. In Ibadan, however, the tone was intimate and reflective, focusing on personal memories, artistic expression and scholarly tribute.
Professor Jeyifo arrived in the company of Professors Osofisan and Niyi Osundare, alongside gallery host Tunde Odunlade. They were welcomed by a diverse group of guests including publishers Servio Gbadamosi, Bankole Olayebi and Steve Shaba, cultural practitioners Ropo Ewenla and Dr. Tunde Adegbola, and veteran bookseller Dr. Kolade Mosuro.
Music opened the programme, with clarinet and vocal performances setting a celebratory mood before formal remarks commenced. Ropo Ewenla moderated the session, guiding tributes from long-time colleagues.
Professor Dan Izevbaye described Jeyifo as a formative influence in Nigerian literary scholarship, praising his mentorship and intellectual generosity. He concluded with a traditional Yoruba blessing and appreciation for Odunlade’s contribution to Ibadan’s cultural life.
Professor Niyi Osundare highlighted Jeyifo’s academic brilliance, recalling his First-Class degree from the University of Ibadan and his groundbreaking work on Wole Soyinka. Osundare described the celebrant as a “tall leader” in African literary criticism and encouraged him to continue contributing to scholarship.
Other speakers, including Professors Tunde Adeniran, Olabode Lucas and Adenike Osofisan, offered reflections that blended humour with admiration, portraying Jeyifo as principled, compassionate and intellectually fearless.
The event concluded with prayers for the celebrant’s continued health and a vote of thanks to the host. Beyond the festivities, the gathering reaffirmed Professor Jeyifo’s status as a towering figure whose scholarship continues to shape African literary discourse worldwide.
