One of Nigeria’s renowned writers, Odia Ofeimum on Thursday mourned the demise of an art patron, Rasheed Gbadamosi, whom he described as a man who stood behind literature all his life.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gbadamosi, who was a leading industrialist, art collector and writer, died on Wednesday at the age of 72.
He was said to have suffered from multiple strokes since 2015 and had recently gone abroad for medical treatment.
Ofeimum, who is the author of many volumes of poetry, books of political essays and on cultural politics, said Gbadamosi’s death was a big loss as far as literature was concerned.
“The man stood with literature all the while, he was always where the literary arts were being promoted.
“He was a very sensible businessman. It is difficult to find businessmen who are genuinely committed to literature.
“Rasheed Gbadamosi was committed to literature almost as much as he was committed to being a businessman.”
Ofeimun added that the deceased, an art patron, always identified with every known literary activities in different parts of the nation.
“Though his foray into literature did not bring money, but he still spent most of his time on it, and joined every group that promoted literature.
“There are few civilized people we have in this country; Rasheed Gbadamosi is one of them.
“May his soul rest in peace, “he said.
As a playwright, he authored “Trees Grow in the Desert”, which was widely performed.
He was a founding member of the MUSON Centre, Lagos, and he was one of Nigeria’s biggest art collectors.
NAN reports that Gbadamosi was a very influential businessman with vested interest in many blue chip companies.