Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has described the death of Folake Aremu, a thespian popularly known as Orisabunmi, as the end of a glorious era in the film-making industry.
The veteran actress, a native of Olla in Kwara State, died at the aged 60 at her residence in Ibadan, Oyo State. She was said to have died after a brief illness.
“The Governor joins the rest of the country, especially Kwara people, to mourn the death of the great Orisabunmi who was one of the prides of the state on the continental artistic stage.
‘He recalls her exploits in the 1980s through early 2000s when she beautifully depicted the great African subculture in the Yoruba movie industry.
“Her pacifist roles and the bravery she exuded in most of her appearances were quite legendary and would be sorely missed,” according to a statement by Chief Press Secretary Rafiu Ajakaye.
“The Governor describes Orisabunmi as one of the ‘last men standing’ in the tradition she represented in the Nollywood. His Excellency commiserates with the family of the deceased and the entire Nollywood community.
“The Governor prays to the Almighty God to console her family for this huge loss, and to forgive her shortcomings.”
The President of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria, Bolaji Amusan, alias Baba Latin, said Orisabunmi died late Tuesday night.
Ace broadcaster and actor, Alhaji Dan Kazeem also confirmed her demise to RoyalTimes News and expressed grief over the incident.
Her death came months after the demise of her former husband, Jimoh Aliu, otherwise called Aworo, under whose tutelage she rose to prominence in the film industry.
Aremu was well known since the 80s for her roles as a priestess, pacifist and the good witch in movies. Born on October ten, 1960, in Ilu Ola, Kwara State, Orisabunmi went to Ilu Ola Primary School and Secondary Commercial College.
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