George Ogunde, the first child of the late theatre icon Hubert Ogunde, is dead.
Dayo Ogunde, his sister, announced his passing in a Facebook post on Thursday. She, however, did not reveal the cause of his death or his age.
Dayo Ogunde’s post reads:
One of Hubert Ogunde’s daughters, Afolabi Ogunde-Kikiowo, died in September 2019.
The legend, Hubert Ogunde, was a prominent Nigerian actor, playwright, theatre manager, and musician. He was born in 1916 and passed away in 1990.
Ogunde is often regarded as the father of Nigerian theatre and played a crucial role in the development of contemporary theatre in Nigeria.
The Ogunde patriarch established the Ogunde Theater, a family-run business. All his wives and children reportedly participated in the productions, fostering a rich legacy in Nigerian theatre.
While some of his children were actors and actresses, others were drummers, singers and ticket sellers.
Like his iconic father, George Ogunde was a dedicated theatre practitioner who ran a troupe for several years. His roles as the lead drummer, dancer, and actor in the troupe, as well as his mentorship of the foremost actor, Jide Kosoko, are a testament to his dedication to Nigerian theatre.
He was at the forefront of preserving his father’s works and memorabilia for posterity, a role that significantly contributed to the rich history of Nigerian theatre.
In 2023, the deceased was captured in an emotionally overwhelmed state as he was surprised on his birthday by a Yoruba oratory chanter.
His younger brother, Owobo Ogunde, captured viewers’ hearts with his compelling portrayal of Bashorun in the Netflix series Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre, released on March 1 , 2024.
The family is yet to release an official statement regarding the cause of death, location, burial arrangements, and other details.
