Movie director Wasiu Onitilo is dead

Wasiu Adebola Onitilo, the Nollywood director, has passed away.

Femi Ogundoro, founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Maxima, the entertainment firm, confirmed Onitilo’s demise in a Facebook post.

It is understood that the movie director died on Sunday.

The cause of his death, however, remains unknown — as of the time of this report.

In a touching tribute, Ogundoro described the demise of the filmmaker, referred to as ‘Baba Was’, as painful.

He also recounted his fond memories of the deceased.

“Baba Was” I am really struggling with this. It’s really painful to hear of your departure like that. Really painful. I cannot forget the very first production on Maxima Productions in early 2001/2 — The Bridge,” he wrote.

“Aside being the director of photography for the project at the time, you were the only that agreed to convince uncle TJ Tajuddeen Adepetu to sign the contract to use his equipment on the basis that 50% would be paid in cash and the balance whenever we went live on TV. This I am eternally grateful to God and you for.

“You were a good man, very supportive and encouraged everyone to achieve the best possible. I know lately it’s been very difficult for you. I did the little I could whenever you reached out to me but I didn’t know it got worse.

“Rest in peace “Baba Was” Onitilo Adebola Wasiu. Thank you for all you did. I pray God gives strength to Kemi and kids to bear this loss.”

Onitilo’s demise comes at about the same time when Nura Mustapha Waye, the Nigerian film director famous in Kannywood, passed on.