Nigerian filmmaker Dimeji Ajibola, known for his groundbreaking work in film and animation, has passed away.
The news was confirmed on social media Sunday by fellow filmmaker Samuel Olatunji, who expressed his sorrow at the loss.
“Dimeji Ajibola was my client and friend,” Olatunji wrote. “So sad to hear this news. Rest in peace to a great guy! Sad Sunday as the director of Shanty Town passed away.”
Though details surrounding Ajibola’s death remain unclear, reports indicate he had been battling an illness.
Ajibola was a celebrated figure in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, known for his expertise in filmmaking, animation, VFX, and digital media. His education included studies in filmmaking and cinematography at the New York Film Academy, advanced character animation at Animation Mentor in San Francisco, and visual effects at VFXLearning.
Ajibola directed a number of notable projects, including Shanty Town, Slum King, Hoodrush, Ovy’s Voice, and Wura. His debut film, Hoodrush, marked Nigeria’s first urban musical film and won several awards, including Best Movie at the Green Me Film Festival in Germany and Best Actor and Soundtrack at the Nollywood Movies Awards.
Ajibola’s creative vision and contributions to the Nigerian film industry have left a lasting impact, and he will be remembered as an innovator and artist.
