When leading literary figures gathered to celebrate Biodun Jeyifo @80 in Ibadan

By Adedolapo Ogunwuyi

DATE was January 9, 2026, just four days after a symposium had been organised for him by the Wole Syinka Centre for Investigative Journalism in Lagos that Ibadan also rolled out the drums Tunde Odunlade Arts Gallery in New Bodija for one of their own, double Emeritus Professor of Literature and English, Biodun Jeyifo, who turned 80 recently. The event, organised by Professor Femi Osofisan and a group of friends, served as an informal gathering for colleagues and scholars to honour the influential literary critic. The programme brought together friends and colleagues who have worked with Jeyifo for decades.

While the event was a birthday celebration, it functioned more as a reunion for academic icons to honour the long career of Jeyifo, who arrived the venue around 2:45 pm in the company of Osofisan, Prof. Niyi Osundare and Mr. Tunde Odunlade. They were joined by Mr. Servio Gbadamosi of Noirledge Press, Ropo Ewenla, Dr. Tunde Adegbola and Dr. Kolade Mosuro of The Booksellers, Ibadan. To welcome the group, AJ Sequential performed a birthday song while Atila played the clarinet. The music lasted for about 45 minutes before the formal programme began, with Ewenla moderating the opening session. Other guests present included Professors Dan Izevbaye, Dele Layiwola and Adenike Osofisan. Mr. Bankole Olayebi of BookCraft Limited, Mr. Steve Shaba of Kraft Books and Dr. Tony Marinho.

Izevbaye delivered the first tribute, describing Jeyifo as “a teacher of teachers and a mentor to many.” After sharing personal stories of their interactions over the years, he commended the musical performers, and concluded his remarks by congratulating Jeyifo in Yoruba, saying “wá ṣe òpó ọdún láyé,” and and thanking Mr. Odunlade for providing a space for art lovers in Ibadan.

Osundare followed with his own tribute, referring to Jeyifo as “a tall leader” and reminded the attendees that Jeyifohe celebrant earned a First-Class degree from the English Department at the University of Ibadan, which was a rare achievement at the time. Osundare went on to say that Jeyifo “has produced the most authoritative work on Wole Soyinka to date,” and encouraged the 80-year-old scholar to continue reading and writing. He then read a poem in his honour and ending with a song.

Other speakers then shared their memories. Prof. Tunde Adeniran spoke of Jeyifo’s “compelling character” and his accommodating nature during their days at the University of Ibadan. Mosuro described the celebrant as “an extraordinary man” and a true “omoluabi.” Prof. Olabode Lucas said he had never regretted being the scholar’s friend and noted that Jeyifo is a pride to them all. Prof. Adenike jokingly called Jeyifo “a rascal” with a very soft heart, and urged him to be kind to himself. She praised his intelligence as being way above average.

The event ended with prayers being said for Jeyifo’s health with a vote of thanks by Adeniran to the host for organising the gathering.

Professor Emeritus of English at Cornell University and of Comparative Literature and African and African American Studies at Harvard University, Jeyifo is one of Africa’s most influential literary critics. His work on African literature, drama, and critical theory, including foundational scholarship on Wole Soyinka, has taught generations of students and thinkers across the world.

Professors Dan Izevbaye (left) and Biodun Jeyifo