Veteran actor Jimoh Aliu dies 7 days after shooting new movie, Ekiti state govt, Gani Adams mourn
- The Nigerian entertainment industry was recently thrown into great mourning after losing one of its veterans
- Jimoh Aliu reportedly died on September 17, 2020, after a brief illness
- The actor is said to have passed on just seven days after shooting a new movie
- The Ekiti state government acknowledged the thespian’s death as they celebrated his life and achievements
- Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, described the death of Jimoh Aliu as a great loss to the Yoruba race
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The Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism in Ekiti state has formally announced the death of veteran actor, Jimoh Aliu. In a press release circulated by the ministry, it was revealed that the thespian kicked the bucket on September 17, 2020.
According to reports, Aliu died as a result of a brief illness and he was 86-years-old at the time of his demise.
The ministry described the thespian as an astute actor, a celebrated playwright and quintessential director. It was also said that Jimoh Aliu had a short stint in the army before ‘joining the defunct Akin Ogungbe Travelling Theatre Group from where he later formed his Jimoh Aliu Cultural Group of Nigeria.’
Jimoh Aliu was no doubt dedicated to his craft despite his age. It was gathered that the veteran died just seven days after completing the shooting of a new movie.
The governor of Ekiti state, Kayode Fayemi, expressed shock at Aliu’s death. He shared his condolences with the family of the late film star and also prayed for God to accept his soul in heaven.
Aliu will reportedly be laid to rest at Okemesi Ekiti, on September 18, 2020. May his soul rest in peace.
On his own part, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, described the death of veteran actor and film producer, Jimoh Aliu, as a great loss to the Yoruba race, saying the thespian's death has robbed the Yoruba nation of a true patriot and cultural icon.
Adams, however, expressed shock at the news of the artist's death, describing him as a legend and one of the pioneers of contemporary and modern theatre.
In a statement by his special assistant on media, Kehinde Aderemi, made available to Legit.ng, Adams added that the octogenarian made a remarkable impact in the entertainment industry with various epic movies to his credit, including, Arelu, Yanpon Yanrin, Fopomoyo, and several others.
"I received the news of the late Pa Jimoh Aliu's death with deep shock. He was one of those that we looked up to as our cultural icon and ambassador, especially, in the entertainment industry, where he built a career spanning over six decades.
"I attended his 85th birthday anniversary in Ibadan. Baba Aworo was full of life. He was also part of our entourage to Ekiti in January, when we held the 2020 Oodua Progressive Union (OPU) and I had no feeling that that would be the last meeting between us".
"He was the leader of all leaders, a deep thinker and culture aficionado. Our paths crossed very well on several occasions and we shared so many memories as father and son because of our beliefs and love for the Yoruba race"
"The late Jimoh Aliu was a true Yoruba son and patriot, his love for our culture, tradition and heritage was unparalleled and he was always available for us at every stage of our struggle. He gave us the necessary supports, counsels and prayers and I feel pained that we have lost such a resourceful personality, particularly, at a time like this when we will sorely miss his wise counsel. "Adams said.
He, however, prayed God to repose the late Aliu's soul and give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Legit.ng had earlier reported that some other Nigerian actors had taken to social media to mourn Jimoh Aliu's death. Actor, comedian, and filmmaker, Mr Latin reacted to the tragic passing of the veteran thespian.
The theatre practitioner, who was born in Okemesi-Ekiti, began his acting career in 1959 after joining Akin Ogungbe Theatre Group.
He left the theatre group in 1966 to form his own troupe, Jimoh Aliu Concert Party. He had produced and featured in various Yoruba movies including Arelu, Yanpan Yarin, and Fopomoyo.
He was a former president of the Association of Nigeria Theatre Practitioners.
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Source: Legit.ng