Shina Sanyaolu, a renowned Nigerian producer and director in the Yoruba film industry, has passed away. The news of his death was confirmed by Bolaji Amusan, President of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), in an Instagram post on Wednesday.
“Sleep well uncle Shina Sanyaolu,” Amusan wrote, though the exact cause of death and date of passing have not yet been disclosed.
Colleagues from the film industry have since taken to social media to pay tribute to Sanyaolu, whose contributions to Nigerian cinema have left a lasting impact. Veteran actor Jide Kosoko shared a heartfelt message, describing Sanyaolu as a “beacon of kindness and warmth.”
“Shina Sanyaolu was just not a remarkable man, he was a beacon of kindness and warmth to all who had the privilege of knowing him,” Kosoko wrote. “His love for the arts and his unwavering support for our industry were unmatched. Shina was always there for us, offering a helping hand and opening doors where there seemed to be none.”
Kosoko fondly recalled how Sanyaolu welcomed many Nigerian actors traveling to the UK in the 1980s, offering them a place to stay and helping them navigate their new surroundings.
“Shina, your generosity knew no bounds and your spirit touched countless lives. You were truly a rare gem. The world feels emptier without you but we take solace in knowing that your legacy lives in the hearts you have touched,” Kosoko added.
