News came in this evening about the recent death of Chief Adedeji Aderemi who was commonly known by his stage name ‘Olofa Ina’ in the Yoruba film industry.
By Samuel Odunayo Afolabi
Olofa Ina was 73 years old as at the time of his death.
Saidi Balogun, one of the acting legends in the Nollywood, revealed the information via his Instagram page @saidibalogun not quite long ago.
He however did not unveil the cause of death. No information has reached us about what led to the veteran’s death.
It was indeed shocking to hear that one of Nigeria’s big bags of talents, Olofa Ina, could give up the ghost while everyone was still in the New Year celebrative mood.
All theatre practitioners, since confirming the truth of the veteran’s death, have been sunk in plaintive mood, mourning this great loss.
When interviewed by Punch this evening, Ademola Adedokun, the Chief of Staff to the Osun State Governor and leading member of Theatre Art and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPPAN), said:
“Baba Adedeji Aderemi, popularly known as Olofa ‘na is dead. Going by what we were told, he died in his house in Ede this evening.
“We were shocked to hear of his death because we didn’t hear of his sickness. We will be visiting the family to discuss the burial plans.
“We are in mourning. We will miss him”.
When it comes to Yoruba culture-rich dramas, Chief Aderemi is an unforgettable memory. During the early 1960s till the time he finally hung the boots, many of his votives, especially his mentees in the entertainment industry, would sing the songs of his lasting reputation and influence.
As an elder in the acting world, he would always advocate unity as the only condiment to progress.
While the embattled Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, was going through legal trouble, Olofa Ina emphasised that it was the time when actors and actresses from all groups needed to come together.
He warned young actors and actresses against disunity and stressed the importance harmony.
