The renowned academic, widely known as Professor BJ, passed away on February 11, 2026, at age 80, according to an announcement made Wednesday by the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL).
Professor Jeyifo’s illustrious academic journey began at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where he established himself as a formidable presence in Nigerian intellectual circles. His career later flourished internationally with concurrent appointments at Cornell University and Harvard University in the United States.
A leading authority on African literature, drama, and Marxist literary theory, Jeyifo earned recognition as one of the continent’s foremost voices in postcolonial scholarship.
