Culture icon, Jimi Solanke has died at the age of 81.
Solanke who is widely regarded as one of the greats poet and playwright was said to have died while being rushed from his country home at Ipara Remo in Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun State to Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilisan on Monday.
Solanke was said to have been in and out of hospital from December until he died on Monday morning.
Hon Dickson Awolaja representing Remo North State Constituency at the state Assembly confirmed the exit of the highly gifted artiste to our Correspondent.
Hon Awolaja said “I got wind of the demise of Pa Jimi Solanke not long ago. His death is no doubt another big loss to us in Remo North and Ogun State as a whole given his worthy contributions to the development of our dear nation. May his soul rest in peace”.
The veteran actor marked his 80th birthday in 2023 with a series of event kicked off with a virtual conference on his life and times. This was followed by the launch of his biography titled, ‘Jimi Solanke: The Indestructible’, written by Oluwatoyin Sutton.
Shortly after the book launch, a short film titled, ‘Jimmy Show’ was premiered. The film which also documents the life of the veteran was written and produced by Ayo Adewunmi.
Speaking on the film, Adewunmi said, “It is my personal tribute to Jimi Solanke; to say ‘thank you’ for all he taught me. I was his apprentice, and he taught me the rudiments of directing. He is a father and friend, and can relate with anyone.
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