The Punch reports that foremost novelist, Prof Chukwuemeka Ike, is dead.

A family source who pleaded anonymity told The Punch that he passed away on Thursday.

Ike until his death was the traditional ruler of Ndikelionwu in the  Orumba  South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The monarch lost his only son, Osita Ike, about three years ago.

Born on 28th April 1931, the writer reportedly died at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, after a brief illness.

Ike was remarkable for a unique brand of fiction that mixed lampoon, humour, and satire.

His hometown, Ndikelionwu, was a regular feature in his writings.

He was a former Registrar of the West African Examination Council and the boss of the Nigerian Book Trust Foundation at a time.

His works include, Toads for Super, published 1965, The Naked God’s (1970), The Potter’s Wheel (1973), Sunset at Dawn (1976),  Expo ’77 (1980), The Chicken Chasers (1980), The Bottled Leopard (1985), Our Children Are Coming Home (1990), and Conspiracy of Silence.

Ike attended Government College, Umuahia, the same school attended by the late Prof. Chinua Achebe and Christopher Okigbo, a poet.

He went on to study English, history, and religion at the University of Ibadan.

He was survived by his wife, Prof Adebimpe Ike.

He was of the Aro dynasty.