Oyo State Government has described the death of Professor Akinwunmi Ishola as a monumental loss not only to his hometown Oyo State and but Nigeria generally.
Born in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, Isola a giant literary scholar, actor, dramatist, culture advocate and was known for promoting Yoruba language. Some of his popular plays Agogo Ewo, Campus Queen, Koseegbe and O leku were adapted into movies by foreknown cinematographer Tunde Kelani.
Isola died in Ibadan on Saturday, February 17.
The State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Toye Arulogun on Monday led other top officials on a visit to the family of the late playwright in Akobo area of Ibadan.
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Arulogun during the visit described Professor Isola as an epitome of Yoruba Culture who had left an indelible mark that would forever be remembered.
“He stood tall in the culture and theatre landscape as his scholarly output and theatrical contributions in the world of art and culture would be sorely missed,” he said.
The Commissioner urged the family not to be bereaved but rather thank God for the contribution of the deceased to the development of the country, the uplift of the Yoruba culture saying that Professor Isola’s name will remain as a household name in both civil and academic societies.
He said that the state government will support the burial arrangement of the renowned playwright and that the honour given to him while he was alive will be replicated with a befitting burial to celebrate him.
Responding on behalf of the family, the son of the deceased, Mr Akinjide Isola appreciated the effort of the state government for the visit.
