President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death on Monday of veteran actor and cultural ambassador, Jimi Solanke.

The actor who appeared on the popular NTA children’s soap opera, Takes by Moonlight died at the aged 82.

In a condolence message signed by his spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu said he received the news of Solanke’s death “with a heavy heart”.

“It is with a heavy heart that President Bola Tinubu receives the news of the passing of Nigeria’s creative icon, Mr. Jimi Solanke, who died on Monday,” the statement reads.

“Baba Solanke was an actor, dramatist, folk singer, poet, and playwright.

“President Tinubu mourns the literary and cultural virtuoso and describes him as one of the finest of Nigeria’s creative artists and bastion of our cherished mores and cultural heritage.

“The President condoles with the Solanke family and all those who mourn this painful loss while praying for the peaceful repose of the beloved departed.”