Folake ‘Orisabunmi’ Aremu to be buried on Monday

The remains of the late veteran actress Folake Aremu aka Orisabunmi will be laid to rest in her hometown Olla in Kwara State, on Monday January 28. The fiery screen goddess who rode into prominence in the 80’s playing Orisabunmi in a TV series Arelu reportedly died at her Ibadan, Oyo State residence on January 5.

Chairperson of the Oyo State Chapter of the Theatre and Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) Rose Odika confirmed that the remains of the actress will “leave Toun Mortuary on Iwo Road in Ibadan to Kwara state for burial.”

Aged 61, the actress earned the alias Orisabunmi after she delightfully interpreted the role of a pacifying priestess Orisabunmi in a 1987 TV series Arelu produced by her former husband Jimoh Aliu who passed on in October 2019. She was later to feature as the priestess Orisabunmi in most stage and screen production of the 90’s.

Star of critically acclaimed films such as Yanponyarin and Fopomoyo, condolences messages have continued to pour in for the veteran actress who was known for her chants and oratory. President of the Theatre and Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) Otunba Bolaji Amusan aka Mr. Latin described Orisabunmi’s death as a huge loss to the industry.

“It is so sad we lost a priceless jewel, a very rare gem in the film industry,” Amusan said, adding that the actress died leaving behind a legacy of positive experiences for those who knew her.

He also said, “we will surely miss Orisabunmi for her talent. She was an orator who would perfectly chant eloquently with her resounding sonorous voice. Iya Oosha, we will surely miss you.”

Also, veteran filmmaker Chief Adebayo said that it was with rude shock that he received the news of the sudden demise of Orisabunmi.

“Beginning the New Year with this is highly disturbing. You were a highly trained practitioner of arts and custodian of our culture. You will be sorely missed.”