Tributes are still pouring in for the late playwright Faleti as actors in the industry celebrated his contributions to the entertainment and arts industry.
Speaking with Channels Television, veteran actor Jide Kosoko said Faleti will be remembered towards his contribution in the development of the industry.
“He has contributed to the development of the entertainment industry in this country. Baba is a supporter of youths at all times especially when you are on the right course. we will continue to remember him,” Jide Kosoko said.
Also, actor Saheed Balogun said: “He has done so well, he translated the National Anthem from English to Yoruba, that is a fantastic legacy. May his soul rest in wonderful peace. ”
Lala Akindoju who won an Africa Magic trailbrailzer award for her role in the film adaptation of Dazzling Mirage said Faleti is a thespian and an embodiment of Yoruba culture. Adding that “It is a reminder that they have left a legacy and we must keep at it.”
Veteran Journalist and film maker, Dr Yemi Farounbi said: “We called him Alagba Faleti, we were together at WNTV and together in BCOS. Together we produced films, we had a very long relationship. He is an embodiment of too many acts and I know quite a number of people who trained under him, all they need to do is to carry the flag .”
Faleti was one of the founding fathers of Association of Nigeria Theatre act practitioners (ANTP) with his Alebiosu theatre group.
He has acted, written, produced and directed a number of stage plays and movies, which include: Thunderbolt: Magun in 2001, Afonja one and two in 2002, Basorun Gaa in 2004, and Sawo-Sogberi in 2005.
Faleti started his career as a cinema narrator in the Ministry of Information before training as a film editor at the first tv station in Africa, Western Nigerian Government Broadcasting Corporation (WNTV).
He was one of the first local language newscasters in Africa, before taking a break to obtain a degree in in English from the University of Ibadan and returned to become the controller of programmes at WNTV/ WNBS.
Feleti was the General Manager of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo, Radio O-Y-O, and on retirement, he was appointed as a Director in the mass mobilisation for self-reliance, social justice, and economic recovery, mamser.
However, he received many awards, both locally and internationally, including an Honorary Doctor of letters from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) and the National Honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger, Oon.
Pa Faleti published several books including the dictionary of Yoruba names and an authority in translations into Yoruba language.