Faleti: dies at 86

Pa Chief Adebayo Faleti has been described as a custodian of Yoruba culture whom every Yoruba son and daughter should emulate.

Mr Dele Odunle, the National President, Theatre and Movie Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), stated this on Monday while reacting to the demise of Faleti, a renowned actor and broadcaster.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Pa Faleti, also a poet and author, died on Sunday morning in his home at Olororo area, Ojoo, Ibadan at the age of 86.

In an interview with NAN, Odule said Pa Faleti was a custodian of culture who guarded  Yoruba culture jealously, despite the fact that he studied French and English in the University.

“He believed so much in the development of Yoruba language and anything that have to do with Yoruba culture and done his best to promote the language and the culture.

“He was a disciplinarian, straightforward and gentleman who never condoned any act of hypocrisy; that was the reason for his uncommon high level of integrity and was being respected by all.

“Nigerians, especially Yoruba people, will miss Pa Faleti, who stood for the race and worked so much to ensure that we never lost the rich Yoruba culture.

“We urged those behind to imbibe the legacy of Pa Faleti to make Yoruba culture and language remain relevant,’’ he said.

In his condolence message, Pastor Muyideen Kasali, of the Hour of Mercy Prayer Ministry International, Ibadan, urged the family of the deceased to take solace in God.

Kasali called on parents to inspire rich Yoruba culture in their children and discourage them from immoral practices which have now become prevalent among youths.

He said promotion of Yoruba culture and language should be a priority to Yoruba elders “just as Pa Faleti did before his demise’’.

NAN correspondent, who visited the home of Pa Faleti at Olororo area of Ojoo, Ibadan, on Monday reports that dozens of sympathisers were seen at the premises of the 2-storey building.

Some women were seen weeping while men were in groups discussing about the sudden demise of Pa Faleti.

A family source said that a meeting would soon be held to plan a befitting burial for late Pa Faleti. (NAN)