Veteran Nigerian filmmaker Ola Balogun has publicly declared his final wishes, directing that his viable organs be donated to those in need and his body be handed over to medical institutions for study. The 81-year-old, currently receiving treatment at Josek Medical Centre in Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos State, shared the document titled 'Public Rendition of My Last Will and Testament' with TheCable Lifestyle on Wednesday, following a fresh health scare barely a week after his 81st birthday on 1 August.
Public Declaration Due to Lack of Legal Access
Balogun explained that he opted for a public declaration because he did not have access to a legal practitioner at the time. In his written statement, he noted: 'Barely a week after I was privileged to celebrate my 81st birthday on August 1st, a fresh medical alert has obliged me to once more seek treatment at the Josek medical centre in Ogba, Ikeja.' He added that he was 'Hastily writing these few lines, not knowing whether or not I am destined to emerge alive from my latest confrontation with illness.'
Awolowo's Example as Inspiration
The filmmaker drew inspiration from the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who prepared his will weeks before his death, describing departure from life as requiring orderly preparation 'rather akin to preparation for a long journey.' Balogun specified that once his death is medically certified, his remains should be 'speedily dissected' to harvest any viable organs, such as kidneys or eyes, for transplantation. Whatever remains is to be transferred promptly to medical institutions for training doctors studying morbid anatomy.
A Career That Shaped Nigerian Cinema
Balogun is widely regarded as one of the founding figures of the Nigerian film industry, with a career spanning several decades and multiple languages, including English, Yoruba, Pidgin, and Igbo. He directed his first feature-length film, 'Alpha,' in 1972, marking his shift from documentary filmmaking into narrative cinema. His body of work includes titles such as 'Ija Ominira,' 'Amadi,' 'Nigersteel,' 'Ajani Ogun,' 'Musik Man,' and 'Oorun Moru.' He belongs to the first generation of Nigerian filmmakers alongside the late Hubert Ogunde, Jab Adu, the late Ade Afolayan, and Moses Olaiya, popularly known as Baba Sala.
Impact and Legacy
Balogun's decision underscores a firm conviction that his physical remains should 'if possible, be useful to the living.' This public will not only reflects his personal philosophy but also sets a precedent for others in the creative community. His contribution to Nigerian cinema remains monumental, inspiring a new generation of filmmakers. The announcement comes amid ongoing health challenges, but his legacy as a pioneer endures, with his final act of generosity potentially saving lives through organ donation and advancing medical education.
