On Tuesday evening, a distinguished assembly of Nigerians, led by Nobel Prize laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, gathered at the International Conference Centre located within the University of Ibadan to pay tribute to the esteemed literary scholar, Professor Biodun Jeyifo, affectionately known as BJ.
The event, entitled "Evening of Tributes," was the opening ceremony for the funeral rites of the initial President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), who was born on January 5, 1946, and departed on February 11, 2026, at the impressive age of 80.
Among those present were the current National President of ASUU, Professor Chris Piwuna; previous ASUU presidents including Professors Biodun Ogunyemi and Emmanuel Osodeke; Professor Femi Osofisan with his spouse, Nike; Professor Niyi Osundare; Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi; Mr. Kunle Ajibade; Mr. Kayode Komolafe; Mrs. Gbenro Adegbola; and Mr. Muyiwa Ige.
The speeches delivered during the occasion highlighted the virtues of the late scholar, emphasizing his humility, character, dedication, and his deep commitment to his responsibilities.
Some anecdotes brought laughter and joy to the attendees, while others prompted moments of somber reflection.
Soyinka shared fond memories of Jeyifo during their days at the University of Ibadan, recounting his academic prowess which led him to graduate with First Class honors.
He stated, “Any attempt to provide a straightforward narrative of the individual known simply as ‘BJ’ is destined to falter under the weight, not of contradictions but of new intricate insights related to his diverse interactions with the society that shaped him, and against whose shortcomings he refined both his instincts and intellect.”
Describing Jeyifo as a "Marxist jailer, practical mutineer,” he recounted numerous instances where BJ exhibited exemplary leadership to promote discipline and noble character.
Osundare reminisced about their close camaraderie and Jeyifo’s stance against injustice.
He praised BJ’s numerous scholarly contributions while also acknowledging his unwavering support for his family.
John Ohiorhenuan, a former schoolmate, illuminated Jeyifo’s active participation in Students’ Union dynamics, reflecting, “That young man was destined to evolve into the distinguished professor recognized in Ibadan, Ile Ife, Ithaca, Cambridge, and beyond. Irrepressible until the very end, BJ remained steadfast in his essence until his departure.”
He illustrated BJ’s dedication as a true Marxist intellectual, stating, “This was evident in his life characterized by ‘conspicuous under-consumption' up until the very end. BJ maintained the same understated demeanor in attire and conduct from 1965 to 2025. He seamlessly blended into trade union discussions, local gatherings, and university classrooms.”
In his poignant tribute, Osofisan expressed, “He was my friend, my closest friend. We will undoubtedly meet again.”
Legal expert Femi Falana recounted how Jeyifo, during his tenure as ASUU’s National President in 1980, played a crucial role in securing the reinstatement of lecturers and student activists dismissed by the military government of Olusegun Obasanjo in 1978.
Piwuna, the ASUU President, reflected on Jeyifo's foundational contributions, asserting that the union’s advancements owe much to the groundwork he laid alongside other leaders.
He remarked, “Although I was not present during Jeyifo's leadership, I inherited a robust foundational framework he and others established, aimed at ensuring our union operates with integrity, transparency, courage, trust, solidarity, and other core values.”
He emphasized that under Jeyifo’s leadership, ASUU first engaged in a collective bargaining agreement with the government, a practice that has persisted despite various efforts to undermine it.
Piwuna continued, “Thanks to BJ and those who journeyed with him during that period, today’s collective bargaining framework exists.”
Komolafe, representing the Socialist and Literary Archives (SOLA), stated that Jeyifo dedicated his time and resources to this body and maintained his identity as a Marxist revolutionary until his passing.
He noted that Jeyifo believed capitalism was not the beacon for humanity’s future and expressed hope for a realization of Jeyifo’s vision of a socialist Nigeria.
Offering a tribute to his “Formidable Dad,” the eldest son, Professor Okunola Jeyifous, remarked, “My father had a powerful presence and I was acutely aware of it even before fully grasping its significance.”
He highlighted that his father’s vocal delivery was notably loud, complemented by expressive gestures when making points, but never displayed aggressiveness.
To the surprise of guests, he revealed that driving served as a source of clarity and peace for his father, facilitating thoughtful exchanges for those fortunate enough to accompany him.
He observed, “Time on the road fostered an incubator for his writing and speeches, offering him a space for introspective reflection.”
He added, “Throughout my youth and early adulthood, many of our most insightful conversations about various topics happened during long drives, often without a specific destination.”
The event featured highlights including a documentary showcasing the life and legacy of Jeyifo, musical performances by the Ibadan City Chorale, and reflections shared by his grandchildren, Dara and Lola.
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