Ace Nigerian filmmaker, writer and director of the popular movie ‘Shanty Town’ Dimeji Ajibola, has been announced dead.
His colleague Samuel Olatunji who is also a Nigerian director, confirmed his passing via social media on Sunday 3rd of November 2024.
Details surrounding the passing away of the director are still sketchy. It was, however, reported that he died after battling an undisclosed illness, leaving a void in the Nigerian film industry and among his global fans.
Samuel Olatunji expressed his sadness and grief at Ajibola’s death while describing him as a client and friend.
“Dimeji Ajibola was my client and friend. So sad to hear this news. Rest in peace to a great guy! Sad Sunday as the director of Shanty Town passed away,” he wrote.
Some celebrities and fans also wrote condolence messages and tributes. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Ninalowo wrote “I love you brother and I will miss you @dimejiajibola. May God heal your family & loved ones. Till we meet again didi vox ❤️. Rest on CHAMP”.
Dimeji Ajibola studied filmmaking and cinematography at the New York Film Academy, advanced character animation at Animation Mentor in San Francisco, and visual effects at VFXLearning.
He is celebrated as a highly creative entrepreneur in the entertainment industry.
His expertise cut across filmmaking, virtual worlds, animation, music, interactive digital media, and VFX.
Dimeji Ajibola has directed several films and series including ‘Shanty Town’, ‘Slum King’, ‘Hoodrush’, ‘Ovy’s Voice’, and ‘Wura’.
The director has received several nominations and awards for his work.
As the CEO and Technical Director of Flipsyde Studios Ltd., Ajibola built a reputation for excellence and innovation. His debut directorial movie ‘Hoodrush’ in 2012 was marked and recognized as Nigeria’s first urban musical film, showcasing his ability to bridge narrative storytelling with rich musical elements.
The film also earned multiple accolades, including Best Movie at the 2012 Green Me Film Festival in Germany, Best Actor and Soundtrack at the Nollywood Movies Awards, and Best Supporting Actor at the AMAA Awards.
Ajibola was celebrated as a creative force and a visionary in the entertainment industry, blending traditional and digital art forms in groundbreaking ways. With a career in the film and advertising industry spanning a period of over 18 years, Ajibola has succeeded in promoting brands and producing contents for the advertising, television and film. He started off as an animator in the early years of his career and soon became known in the entertainment industry offering solutions that were initially sought after abroad. Dimeji was responsible for many award winning TV ads like Coca-cola TV ads, some of the MTN Yello animated ads and many others.
