Read Nobel Laureate's touching tribute to Elechi Amadi

Many prominent figures have paid tribute to Elechi Amadi, the author of the literary classic “The Concubine” and “Sunset in Biafra" who died peacefully on the 30th of June 2016.

Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka also paid homage to the author describing him as a soldier and poet, a captive of conscience:

“I recall those enraged, agonizing hours when the peace and sanctuary of his home were violated by kidnappers, mulled over the treasured moments I spent with him in the intimacy of his living room,” said Mr. Soyinka, a Professor of Comparative Literature.

“It seemed unconscionable that, having survived a Civil War, he should now be subjected to the sadism, disrespect and greed of a handful – and of course, of the failure of overall society that he took to arms to rectify.

“Far from his home, I quietly celebrated his triumphal return. Now there are only memories of those sparse but quietly congenial interactions to celebrate.

“I remain appreciative for the instinctive rapport that marked our encounters, public or private.”

Mr. Soyinka said although he is gone, Mr. Amadi’s creativity would remain a consolation “honouring its faithful servitors and filling us with gratitude for their passage.”

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