Sad! Ace actor Olofa Ina is dead

Deji Aderemi, the ace Nigerian actor better known as Olofa Ina, has died at the age of 73.

Saidi Balogun, the actor, announced Aderemi’s death via his Instagram page on Thursday.

“Goodnight Olofa Ina RIP,” he wrote.

Seun Oloketuyi, the founder of Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards, also confirmed Olofa Ina’s demise via Instagram.

The actor was said to have died on Thursday in his hometown of Ede.

The cause of his death is, however, yet to be ascertained.

Olofa Ina was born on May 15, 1950, in Ede, Osun state.

He initially worked as a grade II officer with the ministry of works and transport in Ibadan — from 1970 to 1977.

Olofa Ina later retired into full-time theatre arts practice in 1980 and founded a theatre group after his name, ‘The Olofa Ina Theatre Group’.

The group pioneered the staging of epical histories of Yoruba warlords from the 18th and 19th centuries.

The actor contributed to several television productions, including ‘Odetedo,’ ‘Lakaaye,’ ‘Kogun Maja,’ and ‘Ade Oba’.

Olofa Ina was known for showcasing his impeccable talent and expertise in Yoruba proverbs and idioms.

Last year, the actor revealed he slept in a beer parlour for years before joining the movie industry.

In 2021, Olofa Ina faced criticism for alleging that Nollywood actresses engage in casual sexual relationships.

TAMPAN, the umbrella body of Yoruba actors and filmmakers, distanced itself from the actor’s statement.

Olofa Ina later apologised, stating that he was misunderstood.