President Bola Tinubu has described renowned actor, dramatist and folk singer, Pa Jini Solanke, who died on Monday as “one of the finest of Nigeria’s creative artists and bastion of our cherished mores and cultural heritage”.
Solanke, also a poet and playwright, died on Monday. He was 81 years old.
He was said to have died while being rushed from his country home at Ipara Remo in Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun State to Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilisan.
Solanke was said to have been in and out of hospital from December.
Hon Dickson Awolaja representing Remo North state constituency at the Ogun State House of Assembly, confirmed the exit of the highly gifted artiste to Newsmen
Awolaja said: “I got wind of the demise of Pa Jimi Solanke not long ago. His death is no doubt another big loss to us in Remo North and Ogun State as a whole given his worthy contributions to the development of our dear nation. May his soul rest in peace”.
According to presidential spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, “it is with a heavy heart that President Bola Tinubu receives the news of the passing of Nigeria’s creative icon, Mr. Jimi Solanke, who died on Monday.
“President Tinubu mourns the literary and cultural virtuoso and describes him as one of the finest of Nigeria’s creative artists and bastion of our cherished mores and cultural heritage.
“The President condoles with the Solanke family and all those who mourn this painful loss while praying for the peaceful repose of the beloved departed”.
He is known for Kongi’s Harvest, Sango, Shadow Parties, and many more.
He is also referred to as Uncle Jimi.
