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Festus Iyayi: The Fearless Voice of Justice and Literature in Nigeria

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Remembering Festus Iyayi — the writer, academic, and activist whose pen and principles reshaped the struggle for education and social equity in Nigeria.

Early Life and Background

Festus Iyayi was born in 1947 in Ugbegun, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Coming from a modest background, Iyayi’s early life was shaped by a deep sense of community and resilience. His family valued education and hard work — values that later inspired his intellectual pursuits and activism. Growing up during Nigeria’s postcolonial years, he witnessed social and political inequalities that would later fuel his commitment to justice and reform.

Education and Academic Career

Iyayi began his formal education in Edo State and demonstrated exceptional brilliance from an early age. He proceeded to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in Economics. His academic excellence earned him a scholarship to study abroad, leading him to the United Kingdom, where he earned both his Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Industrial Relations.

Upon returning to Nigeria, Iyayi joined the University of Benin as a lecturer in the Department of Business Administration. There, he quickly became known not only as a gifted teacher but also as a principled academic who stood for fairness, transparency, and the right of lecturers and students to quality education.

ASUU Leadership and Activism

Festus Iyayi’s name became synonymous with academic activism when he rose to become the President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the 1980s. During his tenure, he championed the struggle for university autonomy, better working conditions for lecturers, and improved funding for Nigerian universities.

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His activism put him at odds with military governments, particularly under General Ibrahim Babangida, who saw ASUU’s demands as a threat to the regime’s authority. Iyayi was arrested, detained, and later dismissed from his academic position for his activism. However, his courage never wavered. After the return to civil rule, he was reinstated at the University of Benin, where he continued teaching and mentoring younger scholars.

Iyayi’s leadership style was characterised by integrity and sacrifice. He believed that education was the backbone of national development and that intellectuals had a moral duty to speak against injustice.

A Voice in Literature

Beyond activism, Festus Iyayi made his mark as one of Nigeria’s most respected literary figures. His novels reflected the struggles of ordinary Nigerians against corruption, inequality, and political oppression.

His debut novel, Violence (1979), explored class divisions and the exploitation of the poor. The Contract (1982) critiqued the greed and corruption that defined public office. However, it was Heroes (1986) that earned him international acclaim. The novel, set during the Nigerian Civil War, examined heroism and betrayal in the context of political and personal conflict. Heroes won the prestigious Commonwealth Writers’ Prize (Africa Region) in 1988, cementing Iyayi’s status as a literary powerhouse.

Through his works, Iyayi became a literary conscience for Nigeria, using fiction to expose social ills and demand accountability. His writing style — rich, honest, and unflinchingly political — continues to inspire both readers and writers across generations.

Tragic Death

On November 12, 2013, Festus Iyayi died in a tragic car accident along the Lokoja–Abuja highway while travelling to Kano for an ASUU National Executive Council meeting. His death shocked the nation and drew widespread mourning across Nigeria’s academic and literary communities.

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Reports indicated that his vehicle was hit by a convoy belonging to the Kogi State governor, a tragedy that reignited conversations about reckless driving by government convoys and disregard for citizens’ safety. His death became symbolic — a man who lived his life fighting for justice lost it to the very system he sought to reform.

Legacy and Impact

Festus Iyayi’s legacy remains profound. As a writer, he gave voice to the voiceless; as an academic, he defended truth and intellectual freedom; and as an activist, he embodied courage and selflessness.

His novels remain part of Nigeria’s secondary and tertiary education syllabuses, serving as timeless reminders of his belief in justice and equality. The Academic Staff Union of Universities continues to honour his memory as one of its most fearless and visionary leaders.

Festus Iyayi lived a life of purpose and conviction. His pen challenged oppression; his voice defended education; and his actions reflected his belief that true change begins with courage. More than a writer or unionist, he was a symbol of resistance and hope — a man who proved that integrity can outlive power.

In the words of his colleagues, “Festus Iyayi did not just teach the truth — he lived it.”

References:

Vanguard News Nigeria, “Festus Iyayi: The Writer Who Died for a Cause” (2013)

The Guardian Nigeria, Obituary Archive (2013)

University of Benin Academic Records

Commonwealth Writers’ Prize Archives

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Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

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3 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

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“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

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“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

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VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

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December 7, 2025

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While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

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VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

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7 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

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