Nollywood actor Saidi Balogun has announced the passing of veteran actor Dejumo Lewis, who died at the age of 80.

Balogun confirmed the sad news through an Instagram post on Saturday, sparking an outpouring of condolences from fans and colleagues in the industry.

The cause of Lewis's death, renowned for his role in 'The Village Teacher,' remains undisclosed.

The comments section of Balogun's post reflects tributes to the incredible actor and wishes for eternal rest and strength for his grieving family.

Background

Born in 1943, Mr Lewis was famous for the Kabiyesi role in The Village Headmaster, Nigeria’s longest-running television soap opera shown on NTA from 1968 to 1988 that starred Justus Esiri, Femi Robinson, and many others.

Thirty years after ‘The Village Headmaster’ was rested, the popular comedy-drama series aired on NTA returned to the screen in 2021.

It was after the NTA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP), which officially marked the beginning of a partnership to bring the iconic drama series back on the air.

The late actor reprised his role as Kabiyesi in the much-loved series now produced by WAP.

The late actor was featured in many films, such as Bisi, Daughter of the River in 1977, a historical drama about Bisi, a young woman caught amid political turmoil in pre-colonial Nigeria. He played the role of Ologbo, Bisi’s wise and protective father.

Pade Pade of 1983 is a comedy film that follows the hilarious misadventures of two friends who travel to London for a better life. The ace actor played Chief Maja, a wealthy Nigerian businessman who becomes their reluctant benefactor.

He played the role of Chief Ogunbiyi, a powerful politician with a hidden agenda, in the Thunderbolt movie of 1995. This action thriller stars Olu Jacobs as a detective on the trail of a dangerous criminal.

Mr Lewis also featured in A Private Storm of 1996 as Chief Olorode, the family patriarch who tries to guide his sons through the complexities of love and tradition. The drama tells the story of a young woman caught in a love triangle between two brothers.

Mr Lewis is also known for his memorable performances in films such as “A Place in the Stars” (2014), “Crossroads” (2020), and “Power of 1” (2018).