Gboyega Odubanjo: Police searching for poet who went missing from Shambala festival in Northamptonshire

Mr Odubanjo's family say his disappearance is "entirely out of character" and police are asking the public to call 999 if they see him.

Wednesday 30 August 2023 14:18, UK

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Police are appealing for help to find a 27-year-old poet who has been missing since the weekend.

Gboyega Odubanjo was meant to do a reading at the Shambala festival in Kelmarsh, Northamptonshire, on Sunday - but never arrived for his performance.

He was last seen at the festival at around 4am on Saturday.

Mr Odubanjo is from Bromley, east London, and is studying for a PhD at the University of Hertfordshire.

"Gboyega is a loving and caring son who means the world to our family," his relatives said in a statement.

"He has a warm and infectious personality, a contagious smile, and a heart full of kindness.

"We believe that Gboyega's disappearance is entirely out of character for him, and we are genuinely worried for his safety and wellbeing."

Mr Odubanjo's work has appeared in publications such as The Guardian, The Poetry Review and New Statesman and his second collection of work is due to be published soon.

Police have described him as being 5ft 6in tall with short black dreadlocks and a full-face beard.

He usually wears glasses and was last seen in a beige/cream bucket hat, a red and white striped gilet, black trousers and dark shoes.

Northamptonshire Police urged the poet to call his loved ones if he sees their appeal.

"We need to make sure you are safe," the police said.

Members of the public are asked to call 999 if they spot him, while other information and previous sightings should be reported to 101.

Gboyega Odubanjo: Police searching for poet who went missing from Shambala festival in Northamptonshire

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