Obasanjo in a release signed by his Media Assistant, Vitalis Ortese and made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, Tuesday, described Achebe as a man of culture, a literary giant and a distinguished Nigerian.
He said ” Achebe’s “death at this time is a great loss to Nigeria, Africa and particularly the global world of literature.
“While he lived, Professor Achebe has by his person and through his works demonstrated an important perspective of the soul of the African and his world view at a period when the continent was undergoing some of the most significant changes in its history.
“Because of what he wrote and showed, the world understood Africa better. This is a well deserved tribute that can never be taken away
from Professor Chinua Achebe.”
While praying for the repose of the dead, the former President commiserated with the family, friends, colleagues, Nigerians and Africans alike on the passing away of Professor Chinua Achebe.