Yorubaland was again thrown into a widespread shock on Thursday evening as popular actor Saidi Balogun announced the passage of veteran actor and the Sobaloju of Edeland, Chief Adedeji Aderemi aka Olofa Ina. He died at the age of 73.
Balogun wrote on his Instagram page: “Goodnight legend Chief Deji Akinremi (Olofa Ina) RIP.
The late olófà iná will be remembered for his rich Yoruba proverbs and dexterity in the use of the language in movies
Here are 9 quick facts about the life and times of Chief Aderemi.
ONE…
The Late Adedeji Aderemi was born on Monday 15th May, 1950. His farher was late Chief AbdulSalam Aderemi and the mother, Aisha Aderemi of Jagun- Olukosi compound, Ede in old Oyo state, now Osun State. The late thespian was born during the reign of the late Oba John Adetoyese Laoye, the then Timi of Ede.
TWO…
Olófà iná had his elementary education at St. Peters Anglican Primary School between 1957 and 1962. TheWest reports that he also attended Baptist Secondary Modern School, Ode-Omu from 1963 to 1965 for his secondary education.
THREE…
The late Chief Aderemi trained as a carpenter and joiner at Olukorede Furniture Industry between 1965 and 1970. He was a professional carpenter before exploring his God given talents in theatre arts.
FOUR…
In 1972, Aderemi started his performing art troupe, – the Olofa Ina Theatre Group with the likes of Erinfolamin, Dasofunjo, Gbolagade Akinpelu and the late Oyetunji of Esinnla compound, Ede. That was after he had been trained by the late Oyetunji.
FIVE…
His troupe staged several live performances, including the epic stpries of Basorun Ogunmola, Balogun Ibikunle, Ogedengbe Agbogungboro of Ilesha, Aare Kurunmi of Ijaye, Kakanfo Afonja and a host of others.
These productions were recorded by Nigerian Television (NTV) Ibadan in the 70s and were narrated by the late Dr. Babayemi then, of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan who later became the Oba Olufi of Gbongan, Osun state.
SIX…
Some of his Television productions include Odetedo, Lakaaye, Kogun Maja, and Ade Oba.
SEVEN..
The late Sobaloju of Edeland was an expert speaker of the Yoruba language. He had a mastery of creatively applying the language in any situations or character he was given to act.
EIGHT
According to TheWest, Olófà iná stage alias, Olófà iná was adopted from the eulogy of the ancient monarch of Ede kingdom, Timi Agbale, Olófà Iná. It remains the title of any king in Edeland till date.
NINE…
Olófà Iná died on Thursday January 4th 2024 at the age of 73
