One of Nigeria’s foremost and famous writers, poets and novelists, Dr. Gabriel Okara, is dead.

According to a Punch report, Okara, who is from Boumadi, Bayelsa State, died at the Federal Medical Center, Yenagoa, in the evening of Sunday, 24th March, 2019.

It was gathered that the legendary poet and novelist died at the age of 97, approximately a month to his 98th birthday.

He was said to be a lifelong Patron of the Association of Nigerian Authors.

A family member who pleaded anonymity said Pa Okara was relaxing at his Yenagoa residence when he slumped at about 4pm on Sunday.

He said the head of the Okara family has sent a text message out for an emergency meeting, and the family would issue a formal statement afterwards.

Punch reports that the Association of Nigerian Authors, Bayelsa State chapter, in a statement by its chairman, Mrs. Bina Ilagha, said, “The association is ruffled by the news because it came at a time when preparations were in top gear to celebrate his masterpiece, The Voice, at 55.

“We are saddened by the news, but are consoled that he left behind lofty legacies.

“Pa Okara, through his literary exploits, put Bayelsa on the map of literary excellence.”