Gospel filmmaker and founder of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, Mike Bamiloye, has revealed how his colleague, Korede 'Baba Gbenro' Are, a cast member of his popular Baba Gbenro YouTube film series, 'Abattoir', died.
Earlier, PREMIUM TIMES reported that the 65-year-old actor, known for his roles in several Christian films and for his performances alongside notable actors such as Damilola Bamiloye and Tolulope Adegbo, died after a prolonged battle with liver disease.
In a heartfelt tribute posted on his Facebook page on Thursday, the 64-year-old filmmaker recounted the events that led to Baba Gbenro's death.
He described the late actor as a devoted servant of God who remained steadfast in his work for the Lord until his final moments.
He said: “Baba Korede Are, a vineyard worker, has closed for today. His teacher told him it was time to quit work. We were working together when suddenly the teacher called him and said, 'Korede, come here; It's time to go home.'
“We were at the site of Abejoye's eighth season and we didn't know that he was finishing his task in the vineyard. “He was on location filming Matadero 5 and we never knew he was completing his task.”
Last conversation
The Osun-born actor also shared details of his final conversation with the late actor, who was the founder of Calvary Movie Drama Ministry in Ogbomosho, Oyo State.
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He revealed that Baba Gbenro had no idea he would not survive the last time they spoke on the phone.
“When they were taking him to the hospital and we were talking on the phone, he said:
'Please say hi to my friend for me. Please, dad, I'll be fine. Don't let this discourage you from calling me at the movie location.'
“I didn't know that he had filmed his last film and that he had gone to the previous filming location.
In heaven he has seen the glory of his master, whom he longed to see.
Now he has met the teacher he worked for all his life.”
Bamiloye, who made his acting debut in the drama 'Hell in Conference', described Baba Gbenro's death not as a loss to the world but as a gain to heaven.
Reflecting on the actor's death, he stated: “He died here and woke up there, eternally.”
Lesson for humanity
The playwright emphasized that Baba Gbenro's death should serve as a lesson and reminder to humanity that God can call anyone at any time.
Using a metaphor, Mr. Bamiloye explained that just as a worker returns home to rest after a day at the office, Baba Gbenro went home after completing his earthly tasks.
“Our patron in this vineyard is Jesus Christ. Only he knows our closing time at work. My closing time at work is different from yours, but only Jesus Christ, our boss, knows when to tell us: it's time to close.
“The lesson for all of us is when is the teacher going to call you home and say, 'It's time to close?' Baba Korede was a dedicated man of God and a humble drama minister, but his work is done. Honestly, he has gone to rest from a series of film shoots and learning many lines.”
Baba Gbenro was an actor and evangelist who dedicated his life to spreading the Christian faith.
In September 1995, he established the Calvary Movie Ministry to share the gospel through drama. He championed the mission of his ministry with his wife, Bamike Rebecca Are, until his passing.
Born on June 11, 1959, Baba Gbenro spent his early years in a village in Kano State, where he began his education.
He later continued his studies in Plateau State before moving to South West Nigeria to complete his Higher School Certificate (HSC) and university education.