The past few weeks have been dedicated to the news of the demise of elder intellectual and scholar, the late Professor Biodun Jeyifo, and to the celebration of his towering legacy. His passing marks not just the end of an era for his family and close associates, but a significant moment of reflection for those who champion progressive thought and social justice across Africa and beyond.
Professor Jeyifo, affectionately known as BJ, was a colossus in the academic world, a literary critic of immense repute, and an unwavering voice for the marginalized. His intellectual prowess was matched only by his profound commitment to Marxist critiques and the liberation struggle, making him a true standard-bearer of ‘the Left’ in Nigeria. Through his prolific writings, incisive analyses, and tireless activism, he challenged conventions, exposed injustices, and inspired generations of students and activists to think critically and act boldly.
The question posed by our title – ‘What is left when the Left left us?’ – resonates deeply in a time when the ideals he championed often seem embattled. BJ’s life serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of intellectual rigor, ethical conviction, and the relentless pursuit of a more equitable society. While his physical presence is gone, the architectural framework of his ideas, his commitment to critical engagement, and his unwavering belief in the possibility of a better world continue to stand tall.
His legacy calls on us to not just mourn his passing, but to invigorate the struggle he dedicated his life to. It challenges us to critically examine the present, draw strength from the intellectual heritage he bequeathed, and continue the urgent work of building a society founded on justice, equality, and human dignity. Professor Jeyifo may have left us, but the principles and struggles he embodied remain a vibrant, necessary force.
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