Thousands are still mourning the demise of poet Ikeogu Oke, winner of the 2017 Nigeria Prize for Literature.
A week after his shocking demise, the literati and the whole country has not stopped mourning poet, writer, journalist and the winner of the 2017 Nigeria Prize for Literature, Ikeogu Oke.
When news of his demise broke on Sunday, November 25, many were aghast. Even the few ones who knew he had been poorly and had undergone a major surgery didn’t expect the end would come that way. They had shared in his optimism that all would be well; that he would recover and continue impacting lives with his edifying art. The outpouring of grief after the passing of the amiable, calm and kind-hearted soul has thus been heartfelt, with many attesting to his humane qualities.
keogu’s friend and collaborator, Dr Wale Okediran had broken the news of his passing in a terse email to their associates: “With a heavy heart, I announce the passing of my dear friend and literary compatriot, Ikeogu Oke which sad event took place yesterday, Saturday, November 24, 2018, at the National Hospital, Abuja after a brief illness. He left behind a wife and three children. May his soul rest in perfect peace, amen,” read the message.
This opened a flood of comments, with many expressing shocks over the development. Former Director of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, Professor Dele Layiwola said, “This is a sad loss indeed. May his spirit find perfect repose in the higher realms” while the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Ondo State University of Medical Sciences, Professor Friday Okonofua said “terrible news! May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace, amen.”
Former President, Association of Nigerian Authors and award-winning poet, Professor Remi Raji responded with “absolute tragedy. May Ikeogu rest in perfect peace.”
Renowned African literature critic and scholar, Professor Ernest Emenyonu wrote: “Ikeogu! What a brief reign–nonetheless, you’ve left for Nigeria, Africa and the world-an indelible legacy till the end of time. Go in peace; your voice lives on!”
Another of Ikeogu’s associates, the writer Chinyere Obi-Obasi with whom he served on the National Organising Committee of Professor Chinua Achebe’s Arrow of God at 50 in 2014 and Flora Nwapa’s ‘Efuru’ at 50 in 2016 wrote, “Still like a dream. It is well.”
Abuja-based writer, SalamatuSule with whom he also served on both committees wrote, “my fondest memories of Ikeogu is the Efuru @50. Rest on my good friend and bard.”
Lawyer and writer, Isaac Attah Ogezi, who also served on both committees wrote “IkeoguOke was like a brother to me. Apart from the Achebe colloquium in 2014 and the Efuru@50 where we used to discuss in hotel rooms and departure lounges of airports, this year alone we have met for not less than four times. I invited him to discuss with students of St. Peter’s College, Garaku, Kokona LGA of Nasarawa State; my thank-you luncheon where he was the last to perform and read his 2pac poems for the first time; at FUNAI (Alex Ekweume University, Abakaliki for ANA/FUNAI Conference and he drove me to and from IBB University Lapai. I remember how he spent money for my feeding at IBB University and the early morning treks of one hour every morning from our hotel. Unfortunately, we quarrelled on 29th June 2018 when he drove me back from IBB University of which I had long apologised, and he forgave in his usual generous mind. Ikeogu had a large heart. Rest in the Lord, my literary comrade-at-arms.”
Eminent writer and academic, Professor Zaynab Alkali wrote, “May you find perfect rest, IkeoguOke. I was just getting to know you.
Award-winning writer and teacher, Professor AkachiEzeigbo wrote: “I’m still in shock. It’s so hard to believe that Ikeogu has left this side of existence and migrated to another! A star departs to shine brighter in a new heaven. A great poet goes to sing to a new audience. Ikeogu: you were with us at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, in June, about five months ago, to celebrate the 2018 Igbo Cultural Day. We thought you would come again and again. The students adored you. The members of staff honoured you. My brother, go in peace. You will never die, for you live in your work, in your words. May God console your young family.”
Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina also wrote “not been myself since I heard the news. May God comfort us, and keep the young family he left behind.”
From Ohafia, Abia State, Oke was born on May 23, 1967, in Jos, Plateau State. He studied Literature at the University of Calabar and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He was Deputy Director of Communications at the American University of Nigeria, Yola and was a Standards Editor at the defunct NEXT newspapers.
The deceased won the Nigeria LNG sponsored Nigeria Prize for Literature in 2017 with his book of the long poem, ‘The Heresiad’ he wrote over 27 years. His other published works include ‘When I was Born’, ‘Salute Without Guns and ‘In the Wings of Waiting’. He also wrote two children’s books, ‘The Lion and the Monkey’ and ‘The Tortoise and the Princess.’
