Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has described the death of renowned author, poet, broadcaster and actor, Pa Adebayo Faleti, as a huge loss to the country’s Creative Sector in particular and to the entire nation in general.
In a statement in Abuja on Monday, the minister said Pa Faleti was a trailblazer and a colossus across many genres, who left an indelible footprint in the Nigerian landscape.
He said generations of authors, poets, broadcasters and actors owe Pa Faleti a debt of gratitude for his dedication, hard work and love of country.
Mohammed commiserated with the family and friends of the departed, as well as all practitioners in the sector, and prayed that God will comfort them and grant repose to the soul of the departed.
Also, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State said he received with great sadness, news of the passing away of one of Nigeria’s gifted scholars, culture icons, nationalists and top-on-the-shelf dramatists.
In a statement by the Director of Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, Aregbesola said the death of the playwright, theatre director and teacher was a huge loss not only to the creative world alone but also to the world of Yoruba language and culture heritage which he promoted till his death.
The governor described Faleti as a complete man of the theatre – an actor, director, choreographer and designer – who created performance spaces influenced by traditional architectural forms.
Aregbesola said the late writer and dramatist contributed immensely to the promotion and advocacy of Yoruba Language and well as its culture.
He noted that the appearance of and dressing of Faleti spoke volumes of his origin and he was always ready to advocate for the promotion of Yoruba language and culture.
He stated that the exit of Faleti will certainly create a yawning gap in the theatre and cultural world.
“The death of Pa Adebayo Faleti is a huge loss in so many ways. His death is a big blow to the theatre and entertainment circle, a big blow to the cultural world as well as to the Yoruba Language community.
‘His appearance and personality attested to the promotion of Omoluabi ethos the Yoruba people are known for and which the State of Osun stands for and promotes in all facets of human endeavours.
‘Faleti exemplified the advocacy for and exhibition of Yoruba Language and culture in his writings and on stage particularly with one of his celebrated novels, Won ro pe Were ni .
‘’Thespian of a first class mold and a cultural ambassador, Faleti will not be forgotten for his immense patriotism and sincere commitment to a better Nigeria and promotion and contributions to Yoruba Language and Culture.
‘’On behalf of the government and people of Osun, I convey our heartfelt condolences to the immediate and extended families of the late stage icon, Oyo State Government, literary and drama communities.
‘’May his soul rest in peace,’’ Aregbesola said.
In his reaction, former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, expressed shock on the passing of the veteran actor who he described as a rare gem and an uncommon individual.
In his message, Daniel stated that the late Chief Faleti was a man of many parts who equally excelled in his career as a poet, journalists, writer, translator, broadcaster and TV exponent.
According to Daniel, the broadcaster had always been in the forefront for the promotion of Yoruba Culture and tradition. “His undying passion for the development and uplift of Yoruba values could only be described in the superlatives. He was a celebrated artist and an astute administrator”.
“Late Chief Adebayo’ s death was a great loss to the nation particularly the entire Yorubaland but his life and works will continue to be reference points in our national history”.
