Jimi Solanke, a veteran actor, folk singer, and storyteller, has died.
The great poet and playwright passed away on Monday at the age of 81.
He was claimed to have died while being transported from his rural house in Ipara Remo, Remo North Local Government Area, Ogun State, to Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilisan, when he succumbed to the cold hand of death.
Chief Jimi Solanke was alleged to have been in and out of the hospital since December before dying on Monday morning.
Confirming the incident to journalists, Hon. Dickson Awolaja, representing Remo North State Constituency at the Ogun State House of Assembly, described the death of the veteran as a great loss to the state.
“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,” Awolaja said.
He is known for his storytelling prowess as the host of ‘Story Land’, a programme aired on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and other events like Kongi’s Harvest, Sango, Shadow Parties, and many more. He is also referred to as Uncle Jimi.
