Renowned Nigerian filmmaker Dimeji Ajibola, known for directing the popular movie Shanty Town, has passed away. His death was confirmed by fellow director Samuel Olatunji, who expressed sadness over the loss.

Olatunji posted, “Dimeji Ajibola was my client and friend. So sad to hear this news. Rest in peace to a great guy! Sad Sunday as the director of Shanty Town passed away.”

Until his death, Ajibola directed visuals including ‘Shanty Town’, ‘Slum King’, ‘Hoodrush’, ‘Ovy’s Voice’, and ‘Wura’ and won several laurels including Best Actor and Soundtrack at the Nollywood Movies Awards, and Best Supporting Actor at the AMAA Awards, Best Movie at the 2012 Green Me Film Festival in Germany.

Shanty Town, is a Nigerian crime thriller series on Netflix, which gained significant attention for its gritty, high-stakes story centered around the lives of sex workers trying to escape a powerful Lagos crime syndicate. Shanty Town made waves for its star-studded Nigerian cast, which includes renowned actors like Richard Mofe-Damijo, Ini Edo, and Chidi Mokeme.

The show also sparked extensive social media discussion, particularly due to the portrayal of intense scenes and use of body doubles for some of the more controversial shots.

Its narrative resonates with viewers through themes of corruption, political intrigue, and personal redemption, all set against the backdrop of a chaotic, underworld Lagos.

The production quality and dark storytelling align it with the type of intense crime drama popularized globally, making Shanty Town a strong example of Nigerian storytelling gaining international recognition on a major streaming platform.

Ajibola adds to the list of Nollywood actors, including  Charles Oluomo (Agbako), Adejumoke Aderounmu, Quadri Oyebamiji, John Okafor, Junior Pope Odonwodo and Amechi Muonagor who have died in 2024.