How Renowned Playwright Biyi Bandele Died

October 18, (THEWILL) – Over two years after the death of renowned Nigerian novelist, playwright, and filmmaker, Biyi Bandele, new details about his death have emerged.

Bandele died in Lagos on August 9, 2022, at the age of 54. Temi Bandele, his daughter, announced his death in a statement but did not disclose the cause.

However, a new report published by a British newspaper has revealed that Bandele committed suicide.

The paper further noted that Bandele ended his life a day after a conversation with his editor, Hannah Chukwu, about his novel, ‘Yorùbá Boy Running’ in early April 2022.

Following their discussion, the paper said he sent his editor a revised version of the manuscript before he committed suicide.

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

Bandele was born in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, to parents from Abeokuta, Ogun State. He pursued his passion for the arts by studying Dramatic Arts at the University of Ife now Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile Ife.

His talent was recognised when he won the BBC Playwriting Competition, after which he relocated to England, where he built a successful career as a writer.

Before his death, he directed and adapted the screenplay for ‘Elesin Oba: The King’s Horseman in 2022,’ a film based on Wole Soyinka’s classic drama, ‘Death and the King’s Horseman.’

This adaptation was produced for EbonyLife Films and released on 28 October 2022. The film was produced by Mo Abudu, James Amuta, Judith Audu-Foght, Adeola Osunkojo, and Heidi Uys, and was distributed by Netflix.