news of a veteran actor, Dejumo Lewis’s death came as a shock to many, even though he was 80 years old.
Another actor, Saidi Balogun, had taken to social media on Saturday, December 23, 2023, to announce Lewis’ demise.
Though details surrounding his death are still sketchy, Saidi wrote, “Good night, Pa Dejumo Lewis. May your soul rest in perfect peace.”
No sooner had the news been made public than other entertainers started paying tributes to Lewis, who acted as a king in the iconic TV series, Village Headmaster.
An actress, Yetunde Odunwole, commented, “Kabiyesi, farewell to a great thespian that blessed us with his immense talent. We will never forget your role in the longest running Nigerian sitcom, ‘The Village Headmaster’.”
On his part, another actor, Funso Adeolu, wrote, “Oh wow, an icon has gone. May his soul rest in peace.”
Film director and producer, Taiwo Oduala, also commented, “Oloja Of Oja. An icon is gone. Pa Dejumo Lewis; may his soul rest in peace, amen!”
Born in 1943, Lewis, who was a film and television actor, was well celebrated for his versatility both in front of the camera and on stage.
He shot to limelight for his role as the ‘kabiyesi’ in The Village Headmaster, which is regarded as one of Nigeria’s longest-running television soap operas, and was aired on the Nigerian Television Authority from 1968 to 1988.
The late actor was also applauded for his notable performances in acclaimed films such as, A Place in the Stars, Crossroads, Power of One, and Agogo Eewo, which was produced and directed by Tunde Kelani, and also featured a renowned playwright and novelist, the late Akinwunmi Ishola.
At a point in his career, Lewis worked with the NTA.
