Theatre Icon Ogunde’s First Child, George Is Dead

George Ogunde, the first child of the late theatre icon Hubert Ogunde, is dead.

His sister, Dayo Ogunde,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:

“It’s hard to say goodbye, Brother mi, our first child in the Ogunde clan. But we take solace in you being in a better place. You were such an excellent and friendly soul. May your soul continue to rest in the bosom of your maker. Goodnight, George Ogunde.

Omo Gbegande Esiwu Ijoku,”

One of Hubert Ogunde’s daughters, Afolabi Ogunde-Kikiowo, died in September 2019.

The legendary 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.