Nigeria has lost a literary icon as Mabel Dorothy Okanima Segun, widely known as Mabel Segun, has passed away at the age of 95.
Her family announced her death, stating that she died in the early hours of Thursday, March 6, 2025.
In an official statement, her family expressed gratitude for her impactful life, saying,
“It is with gratitude to God for a life well spent in the pursuit of excellence in Literature, Broadcasting and Sports that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Mabel Dorothy Okanima Segun (née Aig-Imoukhuede) in the early hours of the 6th of March 2025. She was 95 years old.”
The statement also noted that funeral arrangements would be announced in due course.
Mabel Segun was a distinguished poet, playwright, and writer whose contributions to literature shaped Nigeria’s literary landscape.
Her works, which explored themes of culture, identity, and Nigerian experiences, have left a lasting impact.
Her first book, My Father’s Daughter, published in 1965, gained international recognition and has been used as a literature text in schools worldwide.
In addition, her books have been translated into multiple languages, including German, Danish, Norwegian, and Greek.
Her work was also featured in the renowned anthology Daughters of Africa (1992).
Furthermore, she played a crucial role in advancing children’s literature in Nigeria.
In 1978, she founded the Children’s Literature Association of Nigeria, and in 1990, she established the Children’s Documentation and Research Centre in Ibadan to promote and preserve children’s stories.
Aside from her literary achievements, Mabel Segun was also a broadcaster, teacher, and sportsperson.
Her ability to excel across different fields made her a remarkable figure in Nigeria’s history.
Moreover, her personal life was marked by resilience.
She once revealed that she had divorced her first husband after he burned her unpublished novel because he did not want her to become famous.
“My first husband burnt my first yet-to-be-published novel because he did not want me to become famous. Luckily for me, it was a white judge while we were in England who presided over the case. He dissolved the marriage,” she said.
Mabel Segun is survived by her daughter, Omowunmi Segun, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including Rolari Segun, Damilola Segun, Ayomide Segun, and Fikemi Femi-Segun.
Her passing is a painful loss to Nigeria’s literary community, but her influence and the foundations she laid will continue to inspire generations.
Her dedication to literature, education, and cultural preservation will always be remembered.
