Nigerian gospel film director Mike Bamiloye has penned an emotional tribute to the late Moses Korede Are, famously known as “Baba Gbenro,” following the actor’s recent passing.
Bamiloye, the founder of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, took to Facebook on Thursday to share what would become his final conversation with the actor before Korede Are was hospitalized.
Recounting the moment, Bamiloye revealed, “When he was being taken to the hospital and we were talking on the phone, he said, ‘Please, greet my friend for me. Please, Daddy, I will be well. Don’t let this discourage you from calling me on film location o.’”
Reflecting on Korede Are’s unwavering commitment to gospel drama, Bamiloye described his passing as a significant loss to the Mount Zion family but a gain for heaven. “Dr. Korede Are has gone home to rest. Our employer in this vineyard is Jesus Christ. He alone knows our closing time at work,” he wrote.
The tribute revealed that Korede Are had been actively involved in the productions of Abejoye Season 8 and Abattoir 5 before his health took a critical turn. “We were on location for Abejoye Season 8. We did not know he was rounding off his assignment in the vineyard. He was on the film location of Abattoir 5. We never knew he was rounding off,” Bamiloye shared.
He reflected on the lessons from his colleague’s sudden departure, writing, “The lesson for us all is: When will the Master call you to come home and say, ‘It is closing time’?”
Describing Korede Are’s transition as a gain for eternity, Bamiloye concluded, “He died here and woke up there eternally. He is now resting from a series of movie shoots and learning of many lines.”
The late actor, who became a beloved figure for his unforgettable role as Baba Gbenro in the gospel series Abattoir, is remembered as a dedicated servant of God. His commitment to spreading the gospel through drama left a lasting legacy in the hearts of viewers.
The announcement of his passing was first made by his colleague, Oluwaseun Adejumobi, on Instagram, where he shared the sorrowful news with fans and the gospel film community.
