Nollywood’s ‘Shanty Town’ Director, Dimeji Ajibola is dead

Renowned Nollywood director Dimeji Ajibola, known for his groundbreaking work on the series Shanty Town, has passed away.

The news of his death was shared by actor Bolanle Ninalowo in a heartfelt Instagram post. “I love you, brother, and I will miss you @dimejiajibola. May God heal your family and loved ones. Rest on, Champ,” he wrote.

Actor Samuel Olatunji also confirmed Ajibola’s passing, revealing that the director died today after a battle with an undisclosed illness.

Ajibola was celebrated as a visionary in Nollywood, known for his unique ability to merge traditional and digital artistry. His contributions spanned film, animation, VFX, virtual worlds, and interactive media. A graduate of the New York Film Academy, Animation Mentor, and VFXLearning, he brought a rich technical expertise to Nigerian cinema.

As CEO and Technical Director of Flipsyde Studios Ltd., Ajibola pioneered Nigeria’s first urban musical film, Hoodrush (2012), blending narrative and music in an innovative way. Hoodrush received numerous accolades, including Best Movie at Germany’s 2012 Green Me Film Festival, Best Actor and Soundtrack at the Nollywood Movies Awards, and Best Supporting Actor at the AMAA Awards. Ajibola’s legacy will be remembered as a milestone in Nollywood’s creative evolution.