Legendary actor, broadcaster and playwright, Adebayo Faleti, is dead.
He died on Sunday in his home in Ibadan at the age of 86 due to old age.
His son, Adeniyi, said he was helping his father with his bath when he died.
According to him, his father observed the early morning devotion with his family members and soon after told them that he had prayed to God to send someone else to continue his mission as he was tired and longing for home.
He also said that he asked for hot pap, which he took before his death.
Also, the first son of the former General Manager of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, Ayoola, said he spoke with his father three days ago and that he was on his way home when he was told that his father had passed on.
“In his usual practice, he called me three days ago and we discussed like father and son. After I received a call this morning from my brother concerning the state of his health, I hit the road to come home and see him but I did not meet him alive. He died before I could reach home. He took care of all his children and gave us good education. We shall all miss him,” said Ayoola.
One of the deceased’s wives, Moteniola, said she married him in the 50s, adding that he was a loving husband who was always concerned about the welfare of his family.
“I knew him as a loving husband and I will always remember how well he catered for the family. He prepared the children for a good future by ensuring that they had good education,” Moteniola said.
But another son of the late actor, Gbemi, said that the family would remain grateful to God for granting their father a good life.
“He reached the peak of his career in life. As an actor, he was a celebrated artiste, as an administrator, he headed the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State and the Oyo State office of the defunct Mass Mobilisation for Self Reliance, Social Justice, and Economic Recovery.
“He fitted into every good role that a father and a friend could play. He was caring and loved by all. We are sad about his demise but we are grateful for a fulfilled life he lived. He is survived by children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, that is a grace anyone should be thankful for,” Gbemi said.
Jare, another son of the deceased, took to the Face book to mourn his father.
Jare, who studied English Language at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, wrote that he was in tears while typing the message. He described his late father as his most loved human being.
The film translator, who currently resides in the United States, regretted that he had earlier commented about the inevitability of death not knowing that his father would die soon.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has hailed the contribution of the late veteran to the promotion of culture and arts in the country.
The governor in a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dayo Adeneye, stated that the deceased was “a zealous promoter of culture,” noting that his works would always be cherished.
Amosun said, “His role as one of the pioneers of the Western Nigeria Television (WNTV), the first television station in Africa and a consistent television personality, made him a pride to the broadcast industry.
“Baba Faleti, as a broadcaster, poet and writer targeted his energy at the promotion of culture and his death at this time is regrettable. His sound wisdom would have been valuable now that we are all battling to restore our fading traditional values.
“He will be missed by all Nigerians, especially broadcast and theatre practitioners, who regard him as a role model.”
He prayed God to grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss as his creative soul rest in peace.
Among the early callers at the deceased home were actor Dele Odule; Coordinator, Ibadan PlayHouse, Ropo Ewenla; veteran actor, Tunbosun Odunsi; and Prof. Duro Adeleke of the Department of Linguistics, University of Ibadan.
