Mimiko, filmmakers mourn late Remdel boss

Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko has described as untimely and shocking, the death at the weekend, of Mrs. Abiodun Ibitola, Managing Director of Akure-based  Remdel Optimum Communication and wife of former Editor of Sunday Punch, Mr Remi Ibitola.

Mr. Ibitola had confirmed the demise of his wife to The Nation on Sunday, saying she died after a brief illness.

 

In a message issued by the Commissioner for Information, Kayode Akinmade, condoling with the family of the late communicator who made her mark in broadcasting, music production and film making, Governor Mimiko said her death came to him as a rude shock because “no one would have envisaged that the intelligent and brilliant broadcaster would leave us so suddenly.”

He said the late Abiodun Ibitola was a model and a peculiar professional who respected  and adhered  to the ethics of her profession strictly, thus distinguishing  her  among her peers.

“Though it is unfortunate you had to leave with much of the potentials in you yet untapped, but we are grateful to God that the little you were able to do will stand as evidence of your hard work, ingenuity and love for humanity.

“No doubt you were able to make a mark in your chosen profession and generations to come would always have something to cherish you for,” said Mimiko who urged the husband to take “the development as a Christian that you are.”

Tributes have also been pouring in for the deceased from filmmakers who believe that Ibitola’s passing has left a vacuum in the film industry.

According to Dr. Tunji Azeez, a Theatre Arts teacher at the Lagos State University, “She (Abiodun Ibitola) lived a life of service to humanity. May God accept her soul and grant her family and the entire art world the fortitude to bear this great loss.” This was just as filmmaker Tunde Olaoye described her as “A rare, humble, amiable, free-spirited, matronly, creative and loving angel. A Stallion she was. “O d’igba Ose, Iya mi,” he bidded her farewell in Yoruba.

Also commenting on Madam Remdel’s (as she was fondly called) landmark in the film industry, film marketer Yinka Ogundaisi made reference to some of the deceased works. “Afonja, the historical movie that established how Ilorin was founded, and why the Yorubas of Ilorin came from Oyo, was one of her credits. Owo Eje (Blood Money) was another that depicted life in the 70s. Hers were no mean contributions to the movie industry. I pray God give her soul the perfect peace she deserves. RIP, Pastor Ibitola,” he said.

Notable filmmaker and former president of Association of Movie Producers, Madu Chikwendu said: “Yet another Amazon bites the dust….leaving behind another massive box of unfulfilled dreams. A great woman of vision and extraordinary abilities. It would be very insulting to place many of the Buccaneers and Cheerleaders masquerading as “Leaders” beside her towering figure. RIP Remdel.Aluta Continua…Victoria Aserta.”

Film critic and culture journalist Shaibu Husseini recalled that the late Ibitola founded the Festival of Indigenous Language Films (FIAF).

“One of the pains she shared with me is not being able to sustain such an all-important festival which provided access for indigenous filmmakers and created an opportunity for networking among indigenous filmmakers,” he said.

“It was on the grounds of her festival that i first heard of the existence of an Igbo Film Forum… Madam Remdel was an amazon. She had a felt passion for the arts and film. May Remdel rest well and may God give her family, particularly her very supportive husband the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. Good night Pastor Mrs. REMDEL.”

Also reacting to the passing of Ibitola, Alex Eyengho, President of Association of Nollywood Core Producers (ANCOP) said: “She was a warrior, a compatriot, a dependable ally, and a believer in the common good. I was part of the three editions of her indigenous film festival. In fact, I screened two of my films in Itsekiri language at the first and second editions of the festival in Ondo State. A very good combination with the husband. Very receptive couple. She was my close confidant. May God grant her family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss of a rare gem.”

The late broadcaster and culture promoter also founded a film school which started as Behind the Screen Nigeria (BSN) Art Institute, which later changed to Remdel Film Institute.

She was Press Secretary to the wife of former Governor of Ekiti State, Erelu Angela Adebayo, between 1999 and 2003. Under her leadership, Remdel Optimum Communications promoted musical and video works of artistes such as Evangelist Bisi Alawiye, Evangelist ‘Dunni Olanrewaju (Opelope Anointing), Tope Alabi, and Daniel Aregbesola.

Her last movie was Ofinga, a family centered flick starring Akin Lewis and Bukky Wright among others.

Until her death, Biodun was the Managing Director of Remdel TV broadcasting on Channel171 on Startimes. She was also a Pastor with Covenant of Peace Family Fellowship.

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