In a heartfelt tribute, Samuel Olatunji, a fellow Nigerian director, took to social media on Sunday to announce the passing of Dimeji Ajibola. Olatunji expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his client and friend.
“Dimeji Ajibola was my client and friend. I’m heartbroken to hear this news. Rest in peace to a remarkable individual! It’s a sad Sunday as we mourn the loss of the director of Shanty Town,” he wrote. While the circumstances of Ajibola’s death remain unclear, reports indicate that he had been facing health issues.
Ajibola was celebrated as a highly creative entrepreneur in the entertainment industry, known for his expertise in filmmaking, virtual worlds, animation, visual effects, interactive digital media, and music.
He honed his skills at the New York Film Academy, where he studied filmmaking and cinematography, and furthered his education in advanced character animation at Animation Mentor in San Francisco, along with visual effects training at VFXLearning.
Throughout his career, Ajibola directed several notable films and series, including ‘Shanty Town,’ ‘Slum King,’ ‘Hoodrush,’ ‘Ovy’s Voice,’ and ‘Wura.’ His groundbreaking debut film, ‘Hoodrush,’ was recognized as Nigeria’s first urban musical and received numerous accolades, including Best Movie at the 2012 Green Me Film Festival in Germany, as well as awards for Best Actor and Soundtrack at the Nollywood Movies Awards and Best Supporting Actor at the AMAA Awards.
