Ace Nigerian Actor Olofa Ina Passes Away at 73

The Nigerian entertainment industry mourns the loss of Deji Aderemi, the distinguished actor widely known as Olofa Ina, who has passed away at the age of 73.

The news of Aderemi’s demise was confirmed by Saidi Balogun, another prominent figure in the Nigerian film scene, who shared the heartbreaking announcement on his Instagram page, simply stating, “Goodnight Olofa Ina RIP.”

Seun Oloketuyi, the founder of the prestigious Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards, also expressed his condolences on Instagram, confirming the actor’s death. Olofa Ina breathed his last on Thursday in his hometown of Ede, although the exact cause of his death remains undisclosed.

Born on May 15, 1950, in Ede, Osun state, Olofa Ina initially pursued a career as a grade II officer with the ministry of works and transport in Ibadan from 1970 to 1977. However, in 1980, he transitioned into full-time theatre arts practice and went on to establish his theatre group, aptly named ‘The Olofa Ina Theatre Group.’

This group became a trailblazer in staging epical histories of Yoruba warlords from the 18th and 19th centuries. Olofa Ina’s contributions extended to various television productions, including notable works like ‘Odetedo,’ ‘Lakaaye,’ ‘Kogun Maja,’ and ‘Ade Oba.’

Renowned for his mastery of Yoruba proverbs and idioms, Olofa Ina was celebrated for showcasing impeccable talent and expertise throughout his career. Last year, he opened up about his humble beginnings, revealing that he spent years sleeping in a beer parlour before finding his footing in the movie industry.

In 2021, the actor faced controversy for making claims about Nollywood actresses engaging in casual sexual relationships. TAMPAN, the umbrella body of Yoruba actors and filmmakers, distanced itself from Olofa Ina’s statement, leading to the actor issuing an apology, emphasizing that he was misunderstood.

Olofa Ina leaves behind a legacy of artistic brilliance, and his contributions to Nigerian cinema will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike. The entertainment industry mourns the loss of a true icon.