Remembering Biyi Bandele: Investigation Sheds Light on His Passing

Biyi Bandele's Final Moments 

“On the following day, the 54-year-old filmmaker, playwright and novelist took his own life...” 

Shocking truth revealed: Biyi Bandele's tragic passing exposed as suicide.

More than two years after Biyi Bandele's passing, shocking new details have surfaced about the renowned Nigerian novelist, playwright, and filmmaker's death. Biyi Bandele, 54, died in Lagos on August 9, 2022.

At the time, his daughter Temi Bandele announced his death without disclosing the cause. However, a recent report by a British newspaper has revealed that Biyi Bandele took his own life.

The report sheds light on the events leading up to his tragic passing. Apparently, Bandele had a conversation with his editor, Hannah Chukwu, about his novel “Yorùbá Boy Running” in early April 2022. Just a day after their discussion, he sent Chukwu a revised manuscript before tragically ending his life.

This revelation provides a poignant glimpse into Bandele's final days, highlighting the complexities of his creative process and personal struggles.

“On the following day, the 54-year-old filmmaker, playwright and novelist took his own life,” the newspaper reported.

Biyi Bandele was born in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, Nigeria, to parents originating from Abeokuta, Ogun State. He nurtured his artistic passion by studying Dramatic Arts at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in Ile Ife.

Bandele's exceptional talent earned him recognition when he won the prestigious BBC Playwriting Competition. This achievement marked a turning point in his career, prompting his relocation to England. There, he established himself as a renowned writer, crafting compelling stories that resonated with global audiences.

Prior to his passing, Biyi Bandele made a lasting impact on Nigerian cinema with his directorial work on Elesin Oba: The King's Horseman (2022). This critically acclaimed film is an adaptation of Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka's iconic play, Death and the King's Horseman.

Produced by EbonyLife Films and released on October 28, 2022, Elesin Oba boasts an impressive production team, including Mo Abudu, James Amuta, Judith Audu-Foght, Adeola Osunkojo, and Heidi Uys. The film's global reach was ensured through its distribution partnership with Netflix.

Bandele's masterful adaptation brought Soyinka's timeless classic to life on the big screen, showcasing his exceptional storytelling talent and dedication to Nigerian culture.