Tributes as celebrated Nollywood Icon, Dejumo Lewis dies at 80

 

LAGOS, Nigeria – Tributes have continued to pour in following the death of celebrated Nollywood actor, Dejumo Lewis. He was 80.

He is believed to have died after a brief ailment.
Dejumo Lewis is well known for the role he played in the most celebrated Nigerian soap opera, Village Headmaster, on the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA where he played Kabiyesi.

Village Headmaster remains Nigeria’s longest-running TV soap opera. It was the talk of the town and the only programme that kept the streets hollow, with many glued to the screen from 1968 to 1988.

He is seen as the mentor of most Nigerian actors who are making waves in the thespian art.
Speaking on his death, former President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki said the death of Dejumo Lewis is a great loss to thespian art.

“With the passing of Chief Dejumo Lewis, the arts world has lost a masterful thespian.

“He brought to life the role of ‘Kabiyesi, the Oloja of Oja Village’ in the drama series, ‘The Village Headmaster’ with great skill, resonating deeply with a national audience and establishing him as a beloved figure and legend, in fact, one of the forebears of what is now known as Nollywood”, Saraki said.

According to him, as the nation mourns this gifted actor, “I extend my deepest sympathies to his family, colleagues, and the multitude of fans who cherish his work. He will be dearly missed”, he said.