Former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has expressed sadness over the passing of a cultural icon, master storyteller, veteran actor, legendary poet, renowned thespian, and folk singer, Pa Jimi Solanke who died on Monday, 5 February, 2024 at the age of 81 years.
Senator Amosun described Pa Jimi Solanke as an illustrious indigene of Ipara-Remo, Ogun State who made our dear State, Nigeria and Africa proud through his immense contributions to the growth of the arts industry.
Pa Solanke’s expertise across the spectrum of the art industry including drama, music, poetry, etc will remain evergreen. With his art, he brought happiness to many homes and families. As a teacher, he has mentored many generations of students who are doing excellently well across the world. As an icon of the Yoruba culture, Pa Solanke personified the best of the Yoruba culture.
Amosun in a release through Bola Adeyemi, his Media Officer, recalls with nostalgia how Pa Solanke dominated the Nigerian airwaves in the 80s, particularly through his prowess for storytelling and the leading roles he played in several movies he featured including ‘Kongi’s Harvest’, ‘Sango’, and ‘Shadow Parties’, among others.
The former Governor condoles with his widow, children, grandchildren and the entire Solanke family as they mourn his passing. He enjoins them all to take solace in the fact that Pa Jimi Solanke lived a fulfilled life and left behind enduring legacies.”
He prays that Almighty God would grant him eternal rest and give his entire family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
