President Tinubu mourns demise of Literary Icon, Solanke

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned the death of Nigeria’s literary icon, Jimi Solanke who passed away on Monday at the age of 81 years

The President in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said he received the news of the late Icon with heavy heart.

He described the late Solanke as one of the Nigeria’s creative artists and cultural heritage.

The President hereby condoles with the Solanke family and all those who mourn the painful loss while praying for the peaceful repose of the beloved departed.

Background

Born on July 4, 1942, in Ipara Remo, Ogun State, Jimi Solanke’s artistic journey began as a pioneer member of the Orisun Theatre Group, founded by the renowned Wole Soyinka, in 1961.

His contributions to the global entertainment industry spanned seven decades, leaving an indelible mark on various platforms, from Western Nigeria Television in the 1960s to international festivals in Senegal and Algeria during the 1970s.

Solanke’s versatility shone through epic performances such as “Death and the King’s Horseman,” “Kurunmi,” “Kongi’s Harvest,” “The Divorce,” and “Ovaramwen Nogbaisi.”

The icon survived by his wife Toyin Solanke was also a folk singer, poet, playwright, songwriter, performer, visual artist and storyteller.