Body found in search for missing poet Odubanjo

A body has been found in the search for poet Gboyega Odubanjo who went missing at the Shambala Festival in Northamptonshire on Saturday (26th August). 

The 27-year-old, from Bromley in south London, had been due to perform at the event in Kelmarsh on Sunday, but did not turn up for his set.  

Formal identification has yet to take place, but Odubanjo’s family has been informed, Northamptonshire Police said. 

The body was discovered during a search of an area in Kelmarsh just before 9 a.m on Thursday (31st August). Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. 

Odubanjo’s pamphlet, Aunty Uncle Poems, was a winner of the Poetry Business New Poets prize in 2020. He had also been the recipient of an Eric Gregory award from the Society of Authors and a Michael Marks pamphlet award. 

Detective Chief Inspector Johnny Campbell said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family at this very difficult time, and we would ask the media and members of the public to not contact them and respect their privacy. 

“We would like to thank all those involved in the search efforts, including the volunteer members of Northamptonshire Search & Rescue and the specialist search-trained officers from other forces who supported our efforts. 

“We would also like to thank all those who have supported our investigation by speaking to officers or getting in touch with information. 

“Officers from Northamptonshire Police will now prepare a file for the coroner.” 

Police added the search involved specially trained dogs, a dive team and volunteers from Northamptonshire Search & Rescue.