Veteran Yoruba actor, Chief Adedeji Aderemi, professionally known as Olofa Ina died on Thursday, January 4, 2024.
Olofa Ina died at the age of 73 in his hometown of Ede, Osun State, Southwestern part of Nigeria..
The late Aderemi was born on May 15, 1950, into the family of Late Chief Abdulsalam Aderemi and Late Madam Aisha Aderemi of the Jagun-Olukosi compound in Ede, Osun State.
His birth was during the reign of the Late Oba John Adetoyese Laoye, the then Timi of Ede Land.
He began the Olofa Ina Theatre Group in 1972 with the likes of Erinfolamin, Dasofunjo, Gbolagade Akinpelu and the late Oyetunji of Esinnla.
Olofa Ina, who was a well-known figure in Yoruba theatre and film circles, produced a series of television productions including Odetedo, Lakaaye, Kogun Maja, and Ade Oba.
The late actor, also known as Baba Olowe, held the title of Sobaloju of Edeland until his demise.
Olofa Ina had his primary education at St. Peters Anglican Primary School and later Baptist Secondary Modern School.
He diversified his skills by undergoing vocational training in carpentry and joinery at Olukorede Furniture Industry.
In addition to his carpentry career, he worked as a Grade II Officer with the Ministry of Works and Transport, Ibadan, Oyo State, from 1970 to 1977.
Following this, he served as a Maintenance Officer with Daladson Hotel, Jericho Reservation, Idi-Isin, Ibadan, until 1980 when he retired to focus on full-time Theatre Arts Practice.
Before establishing himself in the world of theatre, Olofa Ina founded the Olofa Ina Theatre Group in 1972, making significant strides by pioneering the staging of epical histories of Yoruba Warlords. These productions were recorded by Nigerian Television (NTV) Ibadan in the 70s.
Baba Olofa Ina, displaying his multifaceted talents, engaged in scriptwriting, script dialogue, directing, and acting in various Yoruba films and television series. Notable productions include Ija Omode, Idaamu Otunba, Ewe Orun, Kabiyesi Olodumare, Mayegun, Ejo Ngboro, Lisabi Agbongbo Akala, and many more.
His impact on the industry and memorable contributions to Yoruba entertainment will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
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