Soyinka Leads Pyrates Confraternity in Commemoration of Biodun Jeyifo

Wole Soyinka, the renowned Nigerian playwright and Nobel Laureate, recently took to social media to lead a memorial for the late literary scholar Biodun Jeyifo, who was held in high esteem within academic circles.

The Pyrates Confraternity, which Soyinka co-founded along with six other individuals, commonly referred to as the “Magnificent Seven,” established its roots in 1952 at the University College, Ibadan. It is recognized for its role as a humanitarian organization, engaging in charitable activities and advocacy for good governance.

Reports indicate that Biodun Jeyifo, the inaugural president of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), passed away on February 11 at the age of 80.

A video obtained by the media on Wednesday showcased Soyinka leading the group in a solemn tribute as they gathered to pay their respects at Jeyifo's burial site in Ibadan, Oyo State. The gathering underlined Jeyifo's significant impact on African literature, theater, and intellectual discussions.

Soyinka, who is now 91 years old, was seen carrying a sword while guiding the procession, accompanied by fellow members adorned in the Pyrates Confraternity's signature colors of white, red, and black. At the graveside, the attendees sang in honor of a life that dedicated itself to scholarship and progress in African thought.

The burial ceremony took place at the Anglican Cemetery located at the St James the Great Cathedral Burial Ground in Ijokodo, Ibadan.

Tributes began on Tuesday when an evening event was organized at Omolayole Hall, situated at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan. Jeyifo was first laid in state at TOS Funeral Homes in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, before his remains were taken to his residence on Jeyifous Street, Oke-Bola, Ibadan for the family to pay their last respects.

Colloquially referred to as “Professor BJ” by both colleagues and students alike, Jeyifo was greatly respected in academia.

He commenced his scholarly journey at the University of Ife and subsequently held teaching positions at Cornell University and Harvard University. Earlier this year, a group of scholars and cultural figures convened at the MUSON Centre in Lagos to commemorate his 80th birthday and to honor his extensive contributions to literary scholarship and intellectual dialogue.

Mr. Jeyifo was widely recognized for his expertise on the works of Wole Soyinka, particularly through his influential book "Wole Soyinka: Politics, Poetics and Postcolonialism," published by Cambridge University Press in 2004, which garnered international recognition and several accolades. Many scholars consider it one of the most thorough studies of an individual author within the realm of African postcolonial literary criticism.

Born on January 5, 1946, Jeyifo was a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters and a respected public intellectual whose illustrious career included teaching, research, and mentoring in both Nigeria and the United States.