Chinua Achebe was a poet , laden with ' the gift of ancient wisdom , ' says Tolu Ogunlesi . Achebe twice rejected awards from the Nigerian government . Events triggered by civil war , government corruption , damaged his relationship with Nigeria , says Ogunlesi . Ogunlesi : ' We should ' read his writing with the respect with which we revere his person '
Chinua Achebe was a genius , laden with 'the gift of ancient storytellers , ' writes Tolu Ogunlesi . Achebe twice rejected awards from the Nigerian government . Anger triggered by civil war , government failures , defined his relationship with Nigeria , says Ogunlesi . Ogunlesi : 'We should 'read his writing with the passion with which we revere his person '