Stage names like Kokosari, Ayox Arisekola, Alade Atobatele, Aro Gomina and the likes cannot be forgotten in Theater Arts practice and the Entertainment industry within and beyond the shores of Nigeria. They left their indelible marks.
Few days ago (13th August, 2020), another giant in Theatre Arts and Movie production from Iwoland, Nuraen Alani, who towered in Theatre Arts Practice like IROKO, his stage name, fell to the cold hands of the inevitable phenomenon; death.
This was a huge loss but we are consoled by the fact that he lived a fulfilled life in his calling as Transporter and Theatre Arts Practitioner. Iroko was at one time or the other the General Secretary and Chairman of Association of Nigeria Theater Arts Practitioners (ANTP) Iwo zone.
He was an active elder of Iwo zone of Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Producers Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) and until his demise, he was “Asiwaju Theatre Iwo, Aiyedire and Ola-Oluwa LG”, Osun State, Nigeria.
His last major appearance on Nollywood was in Feesu documentary titled “AGBAAKIN”, where he played a major role as ancient Oluwo of Iwo alongside popular actors like Tafa Oloyede, Babatunde Bangbode (Fokoko), Taofeek Salami (Tioruju Mondusi) Ayo Olabiyi (Bobo B) and Wasiu Owolabi (Labosinde) amongst others. That was the movie produced early 2020 by BILAINAT MEDIA NETWORK, where I played the role of Basorun Ogunmola.
He was very good at all he did, including playing the Yoruba local game (Ayo-olopon). His feat in Ayo-olopon earned him the nickname ‘Captain’.
Iroko was loved by all his acquaintances, he will be missed by all.
The entire family of Theatre Arts Practitioners and the Entertainment industry in Iwoland mourn this legendary actor, Captain Nuraen Alani Bonanza. May Almighty God forgive him and grant him Aljanat Firdaous.
Goodnight Iroko
A tribute written by Professor Oguntola Alamu (Asiwaju-Odo of Iwoland)
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