The literary world was shaken in August 2022 when Temi Bandele announced the sudden loss of her father, renowned Nigerian novelist and filmmaker Biyi Bandele, at just 54. Now, new details have emerged, revealing the devastating truth behind his passing.
According to The Guardian UK, Biyi took his own life, leaving behind a legacy of extraordinary work. His final novel, Yorùbá Boy Running, held deep personal significance. Temi shares that her father was at peace with his last work, knowing it would spark meaningful conversations beyond his lifetime.
“He wanted it to be the beginning of multiple conversations that would happen when he wasn’t here,” Temi said. “You can feel the energy of that.”
Biyi’s impressive body of work includes:
- Film adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun
- Stage versions of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart and Lorca’s Yerma
- Poetry, screenplays, and novels like 2007’s Burma Boy
His untimely passing sent shockwaves through the literary and film communities, with family, colleagues, and friends worldwide mourning the loss of a brilliant creative mind.
