Members of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Ogun State Chapter, have called on the Ogun State Government to take over Jimi Solanke’s “Ibudo Asa” located in Ipara Remo and classify it as one of the state’s cultural heritage sites.
At the monthly meeting of the Association held at the Simeon Adebo Library, Abeokuta on Saturday, members noted that Ogun State is blessed with culture icons like Chief Jimi Solanke whose works, songs and paintings would add value to cultural treasure troves and tourism potentials of Ogun State.
Ogun ANA members noted that the rank of creatives moulding the minds of young ones were being depleted by death adding that deliberate steps should be taken in packaging books and music for young folks for their moral edification and upbringing.
The Chairman of Ogun ANA, Dr. Chris Omotosho, in an interview, commiserated with Ogun State Government and citizens, the Solanke family and the literary world on the demise of the icon, whom he said would be sorely missed.
According to a release by Dare Folarin, the state public relations officer for ANA, the late folklorist, poet, dramatist and playwright fondly called “Baba agba” died recently at the age of 82.
