The President of the Theatre Arts And Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Bolaji Amusan, has confirmed the death of popular Nigerian actress, Folake Aremu a.k.a Orisabunmi.
She died at the age of 60.
The Kwara born actress dies four months after the death of her ex-husband, Jimoh Aliu, popularly known as Aworo.
Orisabunmi will be fondly remembered for her outstanding role as priestess, pacifist, or the good witch in Yoruba Nollywood movies.
She has played some iconic roles like ‘Asabi’ in “Oluwerimagboojo”, and the priestess in “Ayanmo Eda”. In more recent times, she played the role of ‘Eyegbemi’, a witch who tried to help her friend out of poverty in “Iya Alakara”. Folake Aremu has also produced her own movies such as, “Atupa Imole”, “Ase Ilu”, and “Tani O”.
Orisabunmi was born on October 10, 1960, in Ilu Ola, Kwara state. She went to Ilu Ola Primary School and Secondary Commercial College.
The veteran actress was brought to limelight by her ex-husband – Chief Jimoh Aliu (Aworo)- in the 1980s while working as a teacher in Kwara state.
After visiting him on set, Orisabunmi decided to try a role in a movie he was producing. He found her to be talented in acting and decided to officially add her to the play.
She soon began her career appearing in movies produced by Aworo.
She first appeared on a stage play called ‘Ori Ma Binu’ but it was her role as ‘Orisabunmi’ in “Arelu” that made her a popular name in Nollywood in the 80s.
Her appearance in other movies like “Agbaarin” and soap opera, “Yanponyanrin, cemented her place in the movie industry.
She was trained by Chief Jimoh Aliu but her special ability to recite incantations came from her upbringing.
Orisabunmi has been a major part of the industry for over 42 years.
