Former Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, expressed sadness on Tuesday over the passing of Pa Jimi Solanke.

Solanke, whom he described as a cultural icon, master storyteller, veteran actor, legendary poet, renowned thespian, and folk singer, died on Monday, February 5, 2024, at the age of 81 years.

Amosun joined President Bola Tinubu and the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to mourn the death of one of the finest of Nigeria’s creative artistes and an illustrious son of the state.

In a statement, Amosun described Pa Jimi Solanke “as an illustrious indigene of Ipara-Remo, Ogun State, who made our dear state, Nigeria, and Africa proud through his immense contributions to the growth of the arts industry.”

The former governor said that “Pa Solanke’s expertise across the spectrum of the art industry, including drama, music, poetry, etc., will remain evergreen.

“With his art, he brought happiness to many homes and families. As a teacher, he has mentored many generations of students who are doing excellently well across the world. As an icon of the Yoruba culture, Pa Solanke personified the best of the Yoruba culture.”

Particularly, Amosun recalls with nostalgia how Pa Solanke dominated the Nigerian airwaves in the 80s, particularly through his prowess for storytelling and the leading roles he played in several movies he featured, including ‘Kongi’s Harvest’, ‘Sango’, and ‘Shadow Parties’, among others.

Meanwhile, the former governor condoled his widow, children, grandchildren, and the entire Solanke family as they mourned his passing.

He enjoined them all to take solace in the fact that Pa Jimi Solanke lived a fulfilled life and left behind enduring legacies.

In conclusion, the ex-governor prayed that Almighty God would grant the late master storyteller eternal rest and give his entire family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.