Gbolagbade Akinpelu

EARLY LIFE

Gbolagade Akinpelu, popularly known by his stage name Ogun Majek, was born on 13 August 1951 in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. As a native of Ibadanland, he grew up immersed in the rich cultural traditions of the Yoruba people, which later influenced his deep connection to Yoruba-language storytelling and performance. His roots in Ibadan shaped his humble and community-oriented personality. He emerged as a respected figure in the local arts scene, eventually channeling his talents into acting during a time when the Yoruba film industry was gaining momentum. His early life in Ibadan laid the foundation for a career marked by professionalism, respect for elders, and dedication to the craft of performance.

CAREER

Gbolagade Akinpelu, better known as Ogun Majek, was a veteran actor in the Yoruba sector of Nollywood with a career spanning several decades. He built a solid reputation for his reliable and authentic performances in Yoruba-language films, often portraying supporting or character roles that added depth and cultural resonance to stories. Some of his notable film credits include Iyawo Aremo (2006), Ikilo Agba (2008), Kujenra (2011), and Afonja. He was an elder and active member of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Producers Association of Nigeria (TAMPPAN) in Oyo State, where he regularly supported association programs, helped open doors for opportunities, and served as a mentor and advisor to younger practitioners. Colleagues remembered him as a rare gem who never fought for roles, held grudges, or engaged in industry politics—instead earning respect through talent and professionalism. His contributions helped sustain the vibrancy of Yoruba cinema, and he remained committed to the industry until health issues limited his activities in his final years. Ogun Majek’s body of work and his role as a community elder cemented his legacy as a respected thespian in Nigerian film history.

PERSONAL LIFE

Gbolagade Akinpelu was a devoted family man who lived a relatively private life away from the spotlight. He was married and is survived by his wife and children, including a son named Akinpelu Akeem Abidemi, who publicly appealed for support during his father’s illness. Colleagues and tributes described him as humble, calm, non-confrontational, and a strict professional who cared deeply about those around him. He maintained strong ties to his Ibadan community and was known for his faith, as evidenced by his Islamic burial rites. In his later years, he battled an undisclosed ailment for approximately three years, during which his family and supporters, including actress Foluke Daramola-Salako, organized fund-raising efforts for his medical care. Despite his health challenges, he remained a beloved elder figure who offered fatherly advice and support to younger colleagues. His personal life reflected values of integrity, family loyalty, and quiet dignity.

Gbolagade Akinpelu passed away on the morning of 25 June 2020 at his residence in Imalefalafia, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, Oyo State, after battling an illness for about three years. He was 72 years old at the time of his death. He was buried the same day according to Islamic rites, with tributes pouring in from colleagues across the industry. Prominent figures such as Rose Odika (TAMPPAN Oyo State governor), Foluke Daramola-Salako, and others mourned him as a humble, loving elder and professional who supported the growth of the association and mentored others. Public fund-raising efforts were made to support his medical treatment, reflecting the respect and affection he commanded. Even in his later years, he remained connected to his roots in Ibadan and the broader Nollywood community. Ogun Majek’s legacy endures through his contributions to Yoruba films, his mentorship role, and the positive impact he had on colleagues and fans. He is remembered as a calm, dedicated veteran whose work helped preserve and promote Yoruba cultural narratives on screen.