Nigerian Playwright, Biyi Bandele, Dies in Lagos … Family Members Express Shock

Ololade Adeyanju/

Nigerian novelist and director of Half of a Yellow Sun died in Lagos on Sunday, August 7, says the family in a post on Social Media.

His death came exactly a month to the landmark premiere of his latest film, Elesin Oba: Death And The King’s Horseman, which will screen at the Toronto International Film Festival next month.

Bandele’s death was announced on his Facebook page two days after his last post.

The family described his death at 54 as sudden and unexpected.

His daughter, Temi, stated: “Biyi was a prodigiously talented writer and film-maker, as well as a loyal friend and beloved father. He was a storyteller to his bones, with an unblinking perspective, singular voice and wisdom which spoke boldly through all of his art, in poetry, novels, plays and on screen. He told stories which made a profound impact and inspired many all over the world.  His legacy will live on through his work.

“He was taken from us much too soon. He had already said so much so beautifully, and had so much more to say.

“We ask everyone to please respect the privacy of his family and friends as we grieve his loss.”

Born on October 13, 1967 as Biyi Bandele-Thomas, he studied dramatic arts at the University of Ife, Nigeria and England.

Before Elesin Oba, he had worked with EbonyLife Studios as the director of Blood Sisters, a Netflix original series.

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