‘He battled illness for 4 months’ — TAMPAN mourns Olofa Ina

The Osun chapter of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) has expressed sadness over the death of Adedeji Aderemi, the ace actor popularly called Olofa Ina.

Olofa Ina passed away on Thursday at the age of 73.

The cause of his death is, however, yet to be ascertained.

Speaking with NAN, in Osogbo on Friday, Marufudeen Lawal, the chairman of the association, said the late actor would be missed for his exceptional abilities and qualities.

Lawal said that Aderemi died in an undisclosed hospital at Ile-Ife, Osun, at about 7.00 pm after battling a prolonged illness “for four months”.

The chairman of the state’s TAMPAN, the umbrella body of Yoruba actors and filmmakers, said the death was a rude shock to the association’s members.

“He died about 7p.m. in a hospital in Ife,” he said.

“Four months back, the deceased called me and said that he was ill. I prayed for him and told him to carry me and the association along.

“I have told his relatives to let me know the plans for his burial.”

Lawal said that Aderemi showed good examples for up-and-coming actors and actresses.

He prayed for the repose of the soul of the actor. He also prayed that God would grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Olofa Ina was born on May 15, 1950, in Ede, Osun state.

He initially worked as a grade II officer with the ministry of works and transport in Ibadan — from 1970 to 1977.

Olofa Ina later retired into full-time theatre arts practice in 1980 and founded a theatre group after his name, ‘The Olofa Ina Theatre Group’.

The group pioneered the staging of epical histories of Yoruba warlords from the 18th and 19th centuries.

The actor contributed to several television productions, including ‘Odetedo,’ ‘Lakaaye,’ ‘Kogun Maja,’ and ‘Ade Oba’.

Olofa Ina was known for showcasing his impeccable talent and expertise in Yoruba proverbs and idioms.

Aderemi was also known as Sobaloju of Edeland.