Veteran Nigerian filmmaker and playwright, Biyi Bandele is dead.

Naija News reports that the news of his death was announced in a statement issued by his daughter, Temi Bandele, stating that his father died in Lagos, on Sunday 7th August 2022.

Although the cause of the death was not revealed, Temi in the statement grieved over the loss of her father while recounting his contribution to the movie industry.

She wrote: “I am heartbroken to share the sudden and unexpected death on Sunday 7th of August in Lagos of my father Biyi Bandele. Biyi was a prodigiously talented writer and film-maker, as well as a loyal friend and beloved father.

“He was a storyteller to his bones, with an unblinking perspective, singular voice and wisdom which spoke boldly through all of his art, in poetry, novels, plays and on screen. He told stories which made a profound impact and inspired many all over the world. His legacy will live on through his work.

“He was taken from us much too soon. He had already said so much so beautifully, and had so much more to say. We ask everyone to please respect the privacy of his family and friends as we grieve his loss.”

The shocking news comes barely a few weeks to the historical Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) premiere of his latest work ‘Elesin Oba’ the King’s Horseman (2022), which he adapted from Wole Soyinka’s classic drama, Death & The King’s Horseman, and directed for EbonyLife Films.

The film is yet to be released but is slated to be screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, TIFF, in September.

He had earlier co-directed Blood Sisters, a 4-part Netflix-original television drama series, also for EbonyLife Films.

Bandele is popularly known for directing the movie ‘Half of a Yellow Sun (Shareman Media & State Films, 2013) adapted from Chimamanda Adichie’s novel of the same title; Fifty (Ebony Films, 2015).