Johannesburg, July 19, 2023 – The passing of Prof. Bankole “Kole” Omotoso, a revered father, husband, and grandfather, has left a profound void in the hearts of many. His departure in Johannesburg after an extended battle with illness marks the end of an era characterized by literary excellence and significant contributions to academia.
Born in Akure, Nigeria, in 1943, Prof. Omotoso’s educational journey took him from King’s College in Lagos to the University of Ibadan, where he completed his studies in 1969. His insatiable passion for Arabic Literature led him to pursue a Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh in 1972.
Together with his late wife, Marguerita Rice, Prof. Omotoso commenced his career at the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies at the University of Ibadan. Subsequently, he taught at the Drama Department of the University of Ife. During this time, the couple welcomed the arrival of their three children – Akin, Pelayo, and Yewande – into their lives. However, political pressure arising from his notable works, including the novel “Just Before Dawn” (1988), led him to predominantly work outside Nigeria from 1989 onward. Driven by a deep longing to reunite his family, the Omotosos settled in Cape Town, where he held esteemed positions in the English Department at the University of the Western Cape and the Drama Department at the University of Stellenbosch.
Throughout his life, Prof. Omotoso remained profoundly influenced by his Yoruba heritage, which informed his perspectives and creative pursuits. His dream of building a homestead in Akure was fulfilled, where he resided with his wife, Bukky, and her children from 2016 until they returned to South Africa in 2019 for medical care. Despite his health challenges, Prof. Omotoso continued to impart his wisdom through a weekly column in the Sunday Guardian until 2021.
Beyond being a socio-political critic, he demonstrated a genuine belief in humanity and sought knowledge across various domains. His influence extended beyond his acclaimed literary works, as he made a memorable appearance in the Vodacom “Yebo Gogo” advert.
As we bid farewell to this multi-talented individual, we find solace in the knowledge that his profound legacy will endure through his written works, his children – Akin, Pelayo, and Yewande, his wife Bukky, her children – Taiwo and Olamiposi, and his grandchildren – Alula, Itai, Paida, Kehinde, and Taiye. Prof. Kole Omotoso’s life was a tapestry of wisdom, knowledge, and compassion, and his memory will forever be cherished by those whose lives he touched as an author, playwright, teacher, critic, academic, mentor, and friend.