Words by Ehimenim Agweh

Yesterday’s rains took away one of Nigeria’s most beloved actors. Adebayo Faleti who made his mark in acting and directing classic Yoruba movies passed away at the age of 86. He died in his home early on Sunday, his son announced.

Pa Faleti who started his career as a lover of drama and worked his way up through various teaching and journalistic endeavours was part of the generation of pre-Independence Nollywood actors. He was a multidisciplinary actor who engaged in poetry, journalism as well as language translation. One of his notable works was the translation of Nigeria’s national anthem to Yoruba.

In his lifetime, he was a pioneer staff of what was arguably the first television station in Africa, the Western Nigeria Television station. He was recognised for his contribution to the dramatic arts and was awarded an Officer of the Order of the Niger (O.O.N.).

The news of his death has saddened Nollywood veterans, watchers and the Ministry of Information and Culture. Adebayo Faleti will be remembered for his life and the dedication he put into his craft.

Featured Image Credit: CBS

A journalist by training, Ehimenim is a lover of history, good books and Game of Thrones. For her, the real world is just another Westeros and everyone is a supporting character. Read and repeat is her motto. Give her a wave on Twitter @EAgweh.

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