Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka has issued a very powerful statement in honour of late cultural ambassador, Pa Adebayo Faleti who died over the weekend.
The message which was sent through veteran culture promoter, Jahmen Anikulapo on Monday was titled ‘Tribute to Adebayo Faleti’.
In the said tribute, Soyinka wrote “So soon after Abiola Irele, another pillar of the Shrine of Letters succumbs to the exigencies of Time and leaves our horizon cloudy.
“Adebayo Faleti was a pioneer in virtually every genre of literary creativity, and its expansion. No one should have been surprised to watch him lift the level of acting in the flush of Nigerian films, with his studied, subtle character portrayals.
“Yoruba scholarship owes him much, and will honour him befittingly. More importantly is that he leaves for us memories of his unassuming presence which so richly embodied the expression: “Still waters run deep.”
Meanwhile, dignitaries from all over Nigeria, including the Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, on Monday paid condolence visits to the family of late broadcaster and elder statesman, Alagba Adebayo Faleti, describing him as a repository of Yoruba culture and rich library of Yoruba language.
The government stated that the late cultural ambassador was a role model and ace broadcaster whose giant strides in Broadcasting have inspired many people in the society, promising that the government would support and ensure a befitting burial for the late actor.
The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun, who led the government delegation comprising of the management team of the Ministry, said that the State government was not mourning the late sage but celebrating his life and legacy as a cultural icon, stating that his works would continue to live after him.
He said “Alagba Faleti was a repository of the Yoruba culture, a rich library of the Yoruba language, an ace broadcaster, a fine actor and above all, a perfect gentleman. His exit is a glorious one after a very much impactful and fulfilled life. We are therefore here on behalf of the Governor, Government and people of Oyo State to celebrate a grandmaster of the arts and culture.”
Other prominent Nigerians who signed the condolence register on Monday included Prince Ajibola Afonja, Elder Taye Ayorinde, Professor Tunde Adeniran, Mr Yanju Adegbite, Chief PSO Taiwo and Actor Dele Odule.
In his response, Elder Adegoke Faleti, the immediate younger brother to the late poet, thanked the State Government for its sympathy over the demise of their patriarch.
Other were Architect Muyiwa Ige, Barrister Sarafadeen Alli, Pastor Muideen Kasali, Dr Ajibola Bashiru, Ambassador Yemi Farounbi, Olofa Ina, Baba Samson Eluwole Jinadu Ewele, Prince Jide Kosoko, Adebayo Salami Oga Bello, Pa Banji Ojo, Pa Tubosun Oladapo and Tunbosun Odunsi(Baba Paadi).
Packaged by Alice Egbedele
