Ooni: Jimoh Aliu, hero of Yoruba culture; his death, a blow to Nigerian theatre industry

By Richard Akintade, Osogbo

Arole Oduduwa and the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has described the death of the veteran nollywood giant, Pa Jimoh Aliu, as a passage of one of Yoruba’s greatest heroes of culture and traditions, saying his death had dealt a blow to the theatre and film industry in Nigeria.

Ooni Ogunwusi, the Spiritual leader of the Oodua race worldwide, in a statement by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Comrade Moses Olafare, described the late actor, producer and entertainer as a unique promoter of the prestigious Yoruba culture, which he projected through his several works during his life and times.

“Like the late Hubbert Ogunde, among other Yoruba’s cultural heroes, the whole world particularly the descendants of Oduduwa will never forget ‘Arelu’; one of Pa Aliu’s epical movies through which this great man taught countless moral lessons.

“Aside from being a movie maker, Pa Jimoh Aliu during his life and times was very close to the ancient throne of Oduduwa through which he played several active roles particularly by adding glamour and, indeed, colour to our festivals and other social activities.

“His return to his creator at 85 is a unique reminder that death remains a unique feature of all men and no matter how good or badly spent a life is, it must end.”

A part of the statement further reads: “The Co-chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) with Nigerian Theatre industry, Ekiti State, Oodua race and all members of of the deseased icon of cultural development praying the Almighty Olodumare will give them the fortitude to bear the loss the death of Chief Jimoh Aliu has caused.”