Nollywood Mourns “Shanty Town” Director; Dimeji Ajibola

Dimeji Ajibola, a celebrated Nollywood director and editor, known for his work on “Shanty Town”, “Hoodrush”, and “The Slum King”, died in the early hours of November 3, 2024, following an undisclosed illness.

His passing has been met with an outpouring of grief within the Nigerian film industry as Ajibola’s colleagues and friends have taken to social media to honor his memory.

Actor Bolanle Ninalowo shared a heartfelt message, writing, “I love you, brother, and I miss you, Dimeji Ajibola. May God heal your family and loved ones. Till we meet again…rest on the champ.”

Xavier Ighorodje, head writer and creator of “Shanty Town”, also expressed his sorrow on Instagram, saying, “To the phenomenal Dimeji Ajibola…I don’t have a lot of words because I’m still trying to process this. But… rest well, king. God comfort your wife and children.”

Ajibola’s influence on Nollywood extended over a decade, beginning with his award-winning 2012 musical film “Hoodrush”, which earned international acclaim and took home Best Movie at the 2012 Green Me Film Festival in Germany. His more recent work, “Shanty Town”, released in 2023, further solidified his reputation for immersive storytelling.

Ajibola was also the creator of “The Slum King”, a popular crime series that premiered on Africa Magic in October last year. In a 2023 interview with “The Nollywood Reporter”, Ajibola explained his approach to storytelling: “When I start creating a film, I begin with a strong emotion…My main goal is to strive for an approach that is truly personal and aligned with the team and actors involved. This approach aims to deeply engage the audience emotionally, encouraging them to stay connected with the narrative throughout the journey.”

Ajibola’s dedication to creating deeply resonant stories leaves a lasting legacy within the Nollywood industry. As the film community mourns his loss, his body of work continues to inspire and captivate audiences across Africa.