Nigerian author Chinua Achebe died at the age of 82 in Boston where he was working as a professor. The cause of death has been reported as an illness for which the author had been earlier admitted to a Boston hospital.

Nigerian author Chinua Achebe, widely known as the godfather of African literature, played a key role in developing African literature. The legendary author passed away March 21 at the age of 82. According to reports by African newspapers, Achebe, who was working as a professor in Boston, was being treated for an illness and was admitted to a Boston hospital where he died. Later, the author's publisher and agent confirmed the news to The Guardian.

Top guns of the literary world had great things to say about the deceased author, who was instrumental in shaping an understanding of Africa from an African perspective. Simon Winder, publishing director at Penguin, describes the author as an "utterly remarkable man".

"Chinua Achebe is the greatest of African writers and we are all desolate to hear of his death," he said.

The author's family released a statement requesting complete privacy while they mourn the death of "one of the great literary voices of all time. He was also a beloved husband, father, uncle and grandfather, whose wisdom and courage are an inspiration to all who knew him."

Ex-president of South Africa Nelson Mandela said that Achebe "brought Africa to the rest of the world", and called him "the writer in whose company the prison walls came down".