Bury my bones, but keep my words: Chinua Achebe remembered

Purpose The paper aims to reconsider Chinua Achebe's legacy within current debates on literary canonisation, authorship and postcolonial responsibility, advocating for a more nuanced and collective understanding of his role in African literature. Design/methodology/approach The paper employs close readings of Achebe's fiction and essays, and uses the Igbo metaphor ugo bere n'oji (the eagle perched on the iroko tree) to frame his cultural and symbolic significance. Findings Achebe's work continues to provide moral clarity, political insight and literary innovation that illuminate ongoing postcolonial challenges, affirming his enduring relevance without marginalising other African literary voices. Research limitations/implications Reassessing Achebe's legacy encourages a more ethically grounded and collectively inclusive approach to African literary history, shaping how authorship and influence are understood in postcolonial discourse. Originality/value The paper moves beyond the simplistic “father of African literature” label to propose a culturally resonant and critically engaged re-evaluation of Achebe's legacy, emphasizing both his influence and the collaborative nature of African literary production.