Jimoh Aliu (November 11, 1939 – September 17, 2020), also known as Aworo, was a Nigerian dramatist, sculptor, film writer, playwright, and director.
Early Life
He was born on November 11, 1939, in Okemesi, a city in Ekiti State, southwestern Nigeria. His father, Aliu Fakoya, was an Ifa priest from Oke-Imesi, while his mother was from Iloro-Ekiti.
Career
Aliu began his acting career in 1959 when Akin Ogungbe, a Nigerian veteran dramatist, visited his hometown. That same year, he joined the Akin Ogungbe theatre group, where he gained experience in drama.
In 1966, after spending seven years with the Ogungbe troupe, he established the Jimoh Aliu Concert Party, a group based in Ikare, Ondo State. He later joined the Nigerian Army in 1967 but retired in 1975 to focus on drama and promote independent artists through the Jimoh Aliu Cultural Group.
He produced several television drama series such as Iku Jare Eda Yanpan Yanrin and Fopomoyo, which featured King Sunny Ade, a close friend of Jimoh Aliu. It was later discovered that Sunny Ade had an affair with Aliu's wife, Orisabunmi. Although Aliu forgave his friend, he eventually divorced Orisabunmi.
The character Fadeyi Oloro, played by Ojo Arowosegbe, became a significant part of Aliu's production. Originally played by another member of the Jimoh Aliu group before Arowosegbe joined, the role also featured Orisabunmi in the widely known version.
Death
Aliu passed away at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital in Ado-Ekiti on September 17, 2020, after a brief illness. He was 80 years old.
Filmography
- Fopomoyo
- Yanpan Yanrin
- Ajalu
- Arelu
- Igbo Olodumare
- Irinkerindo Ninu Igbo Elegbeje
- Rukerudo
Awards
- Member of the Federal Republic of Nigeria