'Wear Black’ campaign highlights South Africa’s GBVF crisis

Nigerian academic Ayodele Odularu, who worked as a lecturer and researcher at the University of Fort Hare in South Africa, was discovered deceased at her residence in the Eastern Cape Province on August 16. Her brother, Gbadebo Odularu, disclosed the news to PUNCH. The precise cause of her death remains unknown, and the family has not ruled out the possibility that it was not a result of natural causes, prompting them to demand an investigation.

In a GoFundMe statement released by Gbadebo on behalf of the family, Odularu was portrayed as a scholar who devoted her life to research, community service, and the dissemination of knowledge. The family mourned her loss, describing her as an exceptional sister, daughter, aunt, friend, mentor, and scholar. They emphasized her kindness, generosity, and resilience, explaining that she was committed to uplifting others and had the power to inspire those around her. The University of Fort Hare honored her memory with a memorial service on Thursday.

Odularu's death occurs amidst growing worries over assaults targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in certain regions of South Africa. Since June, the federal government has coordinated the evacuation of Nigerians from the nation in response to reports of xenophobic attacks. The report states that 1,716 Nigerians had been evacuated as part of this effort. Nonetheless, the exact circumstances of Odularu's demise remain a mystery, and her family is urging for an investigation to uncover the truth.