Professor Akinwunmi Ishola, 78, has died on after a prolonged illness. He was a renowned scholar, playwright, actor and culture activist.
Professor Akinwunmi was famous for writing the play Efunsetan Aniwura which he wrote when he was a student of the University of Ibadan in 1961. He was also the author of Madam Tinubu, Oleku and Olu Omo.
Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi described the death as a colossal loss not only to his immediate family but to Oyo state, the Yoruba race and the world at large.
Ajimobi said: “The late Prof. Ishola was also a blessing to his Alma Mata, Wesley College, Ibadan because he composed the school anthem, which is still in use till date. “He was a man of many parts. Not only was he a prolific writer but he was also a talented actor and astute broadcaster who churned out many plays, drama series and box office films.
“Prof Akinwumi Isola was an unabashed believer in the promotion of the Yoruba language, which he once demonstrated by being the first person to deliver a university convocation lecture in Yoruba at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, which was very unconventional.”
Some of his works were adapted into films by Tunde Kelani. This includes Oleku, Koseegbe, Saworoide, Agogo Eewo and Campus Queen.
Prof. Akinwunmi was born in Ibadan in 1939. He attended Labode Methodist School and Wesley College both in Ibadan, Oyo State. He studied at the University of Ibadan, earning a B.A. in French.
He also earned an M.A. in Yoruba Literature from the University of Lagos in 1978 before commencing academic work as a lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University where he was appointed a professor in 1991.
