‘Shanty Town’ Director Dimeji Ajibola Passes Away
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Dimeji Ajibola, renowned director and editor of the 2023 Nigerian crime thriller Shanty Town, has passed away. News of his sudden death was shared on Sunday by colleagues, including actor and producer Bolanle Ninalowo, Uzee Usman, and Shanty Town producer Chinenye Nworah, who posted tributes on social media.
Nworah expressed her sorrow, writing, “Goodnight, my brother Dimeji Ajibola. I don’t know what to write.” Ninalowo also paid tribute, saying, “I love you, brother, and I miss you, Dimeji Ajibola. May God heal your family and loved ones. Rest on, champ.” The cause and exact timing of Ajibola’s passing were not disclosed.
A Distinguished Career in Film and Advertising
With a career spanning over 18 years, Ajibola was a prominent figure in the Nigerian film and advertising industry. Starting as an animator, he became celebrated for his creative solutions in advertising, television, and film, previously accessible only from international sources.
Ajibola studied at the New York Film Academy in Universal Studios, advanced his animation skills at Animation Mentor in San Francisco, and learned visual effects at VFXLearning. As the CEO and Technical Director of Flipsyde Studios Ltd., he gained a reputation for innovative work across animation, VFX, film, and interactive media.
Ajibola’s achievements include directing the 2012 urban musical Hoodrush, which earned awards such as Best Movie at the 2012 Green Me Film Festival in Germany, Best Actor, Best Soundtrack at the Nollywood Movies Awards, and Best Supporting Actor at the AMAA Awards. His 2013 film Ovy’s Voice became a top-ranking movie on Iroko TV in 2017.
Ajibola continued his legacy with recent projects like Passport, a 2022 Nollywood comedy; Ratnik, a 2020 sci-fi action movie; and Slum King, a 2023 crime series, solidifying his influence and contributions to the Nigerian film industry.
