A veteran thespian, Joseph Abiodun Babatunde, popularly known as ‘Jab Adu’, is dead.

He died on Sunday at the age of 83 at his home town, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Mr. Babatunde, was also known as “Bassey Okon” in the “Village Headmaster”, an NTA drama soap that was created by late Ambassador Segun Olusola in the mid-1960s.

Mr. Babatunde was born in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

He attended Baptist Academy, Lagos and St.Gregory’s College, Obalende in Lagos.

He continued his education in the UK. He studied Banking and Finance at the Westminister City College, London, where he graduated as an Associate of the Institute of Bankers (AIB).

Mr. Babatunde also enrolled for training in drama at Morley College of Drama, South London.

He produced and acted in most of his films like “Adio Family”, ” Bisi, Daughter of the River” 1977, ” Turning Wheel”, “Cool Red’’ and“Countdown at Kusini’’, among others.

Reacting to Mr. Babatunde’s death, Emmanuel Adejumo, a thespian and a musician, told NAN that it was a sad development.

“Its so sad that veterans are dying and we have not tapped from their resources enough.

“Adu contributed immensely to the growth of the theatre industry in the country.

“He played his part in the world; the film and the theatre industry will miss him.

“He has gone to meet his ancestors,” he said.

Another thespian, Tayo Oluwasogba, said: “a great hero has fallen”.

“He was one of my mentors in the theatre; he interpreted his roles well in his plays.

“May his gentle sole rest in peace as he continues to live on in the minds of his admirers and fans,” he said. (NAN)