Kunle Adelabu
Mrs Sola Onayiga, a veteran actress popularly called, ‘Ireti’ has passed away.
Ireti who was born into the Awojobi family of Ikorodu, died early Monday.
She was said to have been admitted to the ICU Unit, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital two weeks ago.
She was a popular figure in the popular sitcoms, Fuji House of Commotion and Checkmate.
Her death was confirmed to THE IMPACT by Hon. Tunde Awojobi, a former Council Leader, Ikorodu Local Government who is a family to the late Mrs Sola Onayiga.
“Yes, she died this morning”, Hon. Awojobi said.
Mr Austin Awulonu, a film maker and member of the National Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), also confirmed the death.
“Yes, the sad development was posted on NANTAP platform earlier. It was very sad because we lost two of our finest today.
Awulonu who is also a chieftain of the Alumni, Dramatic Arts Students Association (DASA), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ife, described late Ireti as a disciplined thespian who brought joy to many families with her performances.
“It is a sad sad day for the entertainment industry in Nigeria”, he said.
“Sola Onayiga brought Nigerians so much joy and happiness in several stellar performances on stage, radio and the screen. The zenith of it was her impeccable interpretation of the character, Ireti in Checkmate and Fuji House of Commotion so much so that the sobriquet of the character ‘Catering Practical’ litrally substituted her name.
“She was a disciplined thespian, a professional to the core.
“Sola was a director’s delight to work with. I had the honour of directing her on stage, on screen and for radio.
“She will be sorely missed”, Mr Awulonu said.
Late Ireti Onayiga was an alumni of the premier college in Ikorodu Division, Oriwu College.
