In a somber turn of events, the Yoruba film industry mourns the loss of Chief Adedeji Aderemi, affectionately known as Olofa Ina, who breathed his last at the age of 73. The veteran actor, prominent in the contemporary Yoruba theatre, left an indelible mark on the industry.
The news of Chief Aderemi’s demise was relayed to the public by fellow actor Saidi Balogun, who took to his Instagram handle (@SaidiBalogun) on Thursday night to share the sorrowful news. Accompanying a poignant picture of Olofa Ina, Balogun captioned the post with a heartfelt farewell, saying, “Goodnight legend Chief Deji Akinremi (Olofa Ina) RIP.”
Despite the widespread shock and grief, the cause of Chief Aderemi’s death remains undisclosed at the time of this report.
It is noteworthy that in June 2021, amidst the sexual assault case involving his colleague, Olanrewaju James, also known as Baba Ijesha, Chief Aderemi expressed his stance on maintaining unity within the theatre community. He emphasized the need for solidarity among practitioners, stating, “It can’t cause a division.”
Reflecting on the dynamics within the industry, he remarked, “The issue here is that the youngsters of today didn’t participate in associations; they met fortune on the ground. Those of us who suffered before we could earn a living in the business of theatre won’t want a division in our midst.” Chief Adedeji Aderemi’s legacy extends beyond his on-screen contributions, leaving a void in the hearts of those who admired and worked alongside him.
