Ayodele Odularu, a Nigerian lecturer and researcher at the University of Fort Hare in South Africa, has been found dead at her residence in the Eastern Cape Province.

Odularu, who was 51, died on August 16, her brother, Gbadebo Odularu, told PUNCH.

A family member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the circumstances surrounding her death remained unclear and that the family did not believe she died of natural causes.

The family has subsequently called for an investigation into her death.

In a GoFundMe statement issued by Gbadebo on behalf of the family, Odularu was described as a scholar who dedicated her life to research, community service and the advancement of knowledge.

“Ayodele was far more than a sister. She was a cherished daughter, aunt, friend, mentor, scholar, and a source of encouragement, compassion, wisdom, and strength to everyone blessed to know her,” the family said.

The statement described her as kind, generous and resilient, saying she was committed to uplifting others and had the ability to make people feel valued and inspired.

According to the family, Odularu served as an independent senior researcher within the University of Fort Hare community, where she contributed to academic research and the advancement of knowledge.

The University of Fort Hare held a memorial service in her honour on Thursday.

Her death comes amid heightened concerns over attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in parts of South Africa.

Since June, the Federal Government has facilitated the evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa following reports of xenophobic attacks.

According to the report, 1,716 Nigerians had been evacuated from the country as part of the government’s response to the attacks.

The circumstances surrounding Odularu’s death remain unclear, while her family is seeking an investigation to establish what happened. (Weekend Trust)