Renowned Nigerian director and editor, Dimeji Ajibola, who brought to life the acclaimed 2023 crime thriller series Shanty Town, has died, as confirmed by his colleagues on Sunday.
His sudden death has left the Nigerian film industry in mourning, with close friends and colleagues like actor and film producer Bolanle Ninalowo, filmmaker Uzee Usman, and Shanty Town producer Chinenye Nworah expressing their sorrow on social media.
Nworah, deeply affected by the loss, shared her grief with a heartfelt tribute: “Goodnight, My brother Dimeji Ajibola. Dimeji, I don’t know what to write.”
Actor Ninalowo also paid tribute, expressing the void Ajibola’s passing leaves behind. “I love you, brother, and I miss you, Dimeji Ajibola. May God heal your family and loved ones. Till we meet again, didi dox, rest on the champ,” he wrote.
The cause of Ajibola’s death and exact date of passing remain undisclosed, yet the impact of his career and legacy speaks volumes.
With a creative career spanning over 18 years, Ajibola was a trailblazer in Nigeria’s film and advertising sectors, known for pioneering efforts in animation, brand promotion, and multimedia content.
He began his journey as an animator and grew to be a prominent figure in the industry, creating solutions previously available only from international markets.
Ajibola’s expertise led him to collaborate with some of the most recognizable brands.
He was the creative mastermind behind numerous award-winning TV commercials, including the famous MTN Yello animated ads and various Coca-Cola campaigns.
His educational journey included studying filmmaking and cinematography at the New York Film Academy, where he honed his skills at Universal Studios, followed by advanced character animation at Animation Mentor in San Francisco, and visual effects training at VFXLearning.
As CEO and Technical Director of Flipsyde Studios Ltd., Ajibola established a name for innovative storytelling and technical mastery, with projects spanning film, animation, VFX, virtual worlds, and interactive media.
One of his most notable achievements was his 2012 film Hoodrush, which made history as Nigeria’s first urban musical film, blending narrative drama with striking musical sequences.
Hoodrush went on to win Best Movie at the 2012 Green Me Film Festival in Germany, Best Actor and Best Soundtrack at the Nollywood Movies Awards, and Best Supporting Actor at the AMAA Awards in 2013.
Another highlight of Ajibola’s filmography is his 2017 film Ovy’s Voice, which achieved record-breaking viewership on Iroko TV.
Ajibola continued to diversify his portfolio with projects such as the 2022 comedy Passport, the 2020 dystopian sci-fi action film Ratnik, and the 2023 crime series Slum King, which received praise for its ten gripping episodes.
Ajibola’s death leaves a deep void in Nollywood and beyond, with his visionary work inspiring a new generation of Nigerian filmmakers.
His legacy as a director, storyteller, and technical innovator will be cherished for years to come.
