Family marks 53 years passage of foremost Yoruba author, Fagunwa

The family of late Daniel Olorunfemi Fagunwa, popularly known as D. O. Fagunwa, marked the 53 years passage of the foremost Yoruba writer and pioneer author.

This is contained in a statement by Dr Festus Adedayo, for the family.

Fagunwa, author of Yoruba novels of magical realism, died on Dec. 7, 1963, in a capsised boat.

He died at the bank of River Wuya, near Bida, Niger, on his way back to Ibadan from a working visit to Kano.

The late author of the book entitled in Yoruba ‘Ogboju Ode Ninu Igbo Irunmale’ was buried on Dec. 10, 1963 at the St Lukes Anglican Church Cemetery, Oke-Igbo, Ondo State.

Fagunwa’s body was said to have been retrieved from the river by local divers a few days after intact, with his Yoruba traditional attire, shoes and even his glasses still on.

Among his works were “Ireke Onibudo” and “Aditu Olodumare” all entitled in Yoruba, while his last manuscript, “Ireola Olodumare,”  was never found till date, and was perhaps believed lost in the river.

“Fagunwa’s 53 years passage was marked on Wednesday, Dec. 7 with a commendation and holy Communion Service held at the St Luke’s Anglican Church,Oke-Igbo, his hometown,’’ the statement said.

Fagunwa’s widow, Elizabeth, and his son, Dipo, were present at the service to remember and honour the late Yoruba author.

The late author’s wife, whom he fondly called Sayoade (Joy of my Crown) and who became a widow at age 31, was 84 years.

“Many times, I looked at the blue sky but saw no sunshine and never expected rain.

“But as the bible says, weeping may endure a night but joy cometh in the morning,” the late Fagunwa’s wife stated.

According to the son, “that probably was our saddest day as we finally knew that we shall behold him no more except in our dreams.”

Dipo, however, thanked family and friends, including fans of the late writer, for making the difference by supporting them to weather the throes of his death.