AYODELE Odularu, a Nigerian lecturer at the University of Fort Hare, South Africa, has been found dead at her residence in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.
News Point Nigeria reports that Odularu died on August 16 at the age of 51, according to her brother, Gbadebo Odularu, who spoke with our source on Saturday.
The family member told our source that the lecturer’s death was not believed to be natural, adding that the circumstances surrounding her death remained unclear to the family.
The family has consequently called for an investigation into her death.
In a GoFundMe statement published by Gbadebo on behalf of the family, the lecturer was described as someone who “dedicated her life to knowledge, discovery, and creating a better future for communities”.
The family said that “although her journey on earth ended too soon, the impact of her life continues through the people she inspired, the knowledge she shared, and the communities she hoped to serve”.
“Ayodele was far more than a sister. She was a cherished daughter, aunt, friend, mentor, scholar, and a source of encouragement, compassion, wisdom, and strength to everyone blessed to know her,” the statement reads.
“Her presence brought warmth into every room. She was known for her kindness, infectious laughter, generosity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to uplifting others. She had a rare ability to make people feel valued, heard, and inspired.
“Dr. Ayodele Odularu dedicated her life to knowledge, discovery, and creating a better future for communities.
“As an Independent Senior Researcher at the University of Fort Hare Community, she contributed meaningfully to academic research and the advancement of knowledge through her scholarly work.”
On Thursday, the University of Fort Hare organised a memorial service in honour of the lecturer.
The lecturer’s death occurred amid violent attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.
Since June, the Federal Government has facilitated the evacuation of 1,716 Nigerians from South Africa over xenophobic attacks in the former apartheid country.