Christopher Okigbo, a Nigerian poet born on August 16, 1932, in the Anambra State hamlet of Ojoto, left an indelible mark on African literature before his untimely death in 1967 during the Nigeria-Biafra conflict. This blog post delves into the life, career, personal journey, and enduring legacy of this remarkable figure.

Christopher Okigbo’s Early Life and Influences:

Okigbo’s upbringing was marked by the juxtaposition of his father’s fervent Christianity and his maternal connection to the Igbo deity Idoto. His early years were shaped by the teachings of his father, Chief James Okoye Okigbo, and the influence of his maternal grandfather, a priest of Idoto. Pius Okigbo, a renowned economist and the first Nigerian Ambassador to the European Economic Commission, played a significant role in shaping Christopher’s formative years.

Academic and Artistic Pursuits:

A gifted student and athlete, Okigbo graduated from Government College Umuahia before joining the University College Ibadan. Initially studying medicine, he switched to Classics and gained recognition as a talented pianist. His literary journey began with contributions to periodicals like Black Orpheus, where he showcased his poetry as a potent expression of postcolonial African nationalism.

Christopher Okigbo’s Career and Artistic Achievements:

After earning his degree in 1956, Okigbo worked various jobs across Nigeria while crafting his poems. His contributions to the African Authors Association and the literary journal Black Orpheus underscored his commitment to the arts. In 1963, he assumed the role of West African Representative of Cambridge University Press at Ibadan, further solidifying his presence in the literary scene.

Christopher Okigbo’s Personal Life and Biafra War:

Married to Judith Safinat Atta, Okigbo was a loving husband and father. Tragically, he enlisted as a major in the Nigeria-Biafra conflict and lost his life in action in 1967. His legacy extends beyond his literary contributions to his sacrifice for the cause he believed in.

Legacy and Unpublished Works:

Despite the destruction of his home and unpublished works during the Biafra War, some materials survived. These were inherited by his daughter, Obiageli, who established the Christopher Okigbo Foundation in 2005 to preserve his legacy. The Foundation, with the help of Chukwuma Azuonye, submitted Okigbo’s papers for the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.

Awards and Honors:

Okigbo received posthumous recognition, including the National Order of Merit of Biafra. In 1987, Wole Soyinka instituted the Okigbo Award in his honor, further solidifying his place in African literature.

Bibliography:

• Heavensgate (1962)
• Limits (1964)
• Silences (1965)
• Path of Thunder (1968)
• Labyrinths with Path of Thunder (1971)
• Collected Poems (1986)

A Lasting Impact:

Christopher Okigbo’s life and works continue to inspire generations. His poetry, including the prophetic “Elegy for Alto,” remains a testament to his artistic prowess and commitment to the pursuit of freedom.

FAQs:

1. What influenced Okigbo’s literary style?
   • Okigbo’s poetry was influenced by his dual heritage, blending Christian teachings with a deep connection to Igbo spirituality.
2. Did Okigbo receive any awards during his lifetime?
   • Yes, he declined the Langston Hughes Award for African Poetry in 1966, believing that art should transcend racial boundaries.
3. What happened to Okigbo’s unpublished works during the Biafra War?
   • His hilltop home in Enugu was bombed, leading to the loss of some works. However, surviving papers were cataloged by Chukwuma Azuonye and submitted to UNESCO.

 Conclusion:

Christopher Okigbo’s life, though tragically cut short, continues to resonate through his poetry and the efforts of the Christopher Okigbo Foundation. His contributions to African literature and his sacrifice in the pursuit of freedom are celebrated and remembered with the Okigbo Award and ongoing initiatives to preserve his legacy.