Veteran Nigerian Actor Baba Suwe is Dead

Veteran Nigerian comic actor, Babatunde Omidina, popularly known as Baba Suwe is dead. The news of his death was confirmed by the president of the Theatre Arts and Motion Picture Producers Association of Nigeria, Bolaji Amusan also known as Mr Latin. It was gathered that the actor died today.

In an exclusive interview with The Punch, Mr Latin said, “It has been confirmed that Baba Suwe is dead. I just got off the phone with his son who confirmed that the actor is dead. I don’t have much details about his death.”

Born on August 22, 1958, in Inabere Street on Lagos Island where he grew up but hails from Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State.

Omidina had his primary education at Jamaitul Islamia Primary School in Lagos and Children Boarding School, Osogbo before he proceeded to Adekanbi Commercial High School in Mile 12, Lagos. He obtained the West African School Certificate from Ifeoluwa Grammar School in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, southwestern Nigeria.

Omidina began acting in 1971 but came into the limelight after he featured in a movie titled, ‘Omolasan’, a film produced by Obalende.

He became more popular after he featured in Iru Esin, produced by Olaiya Igwe in 1997. He had also featured in and produced several Nigerian movies such as Baba Jaiye Jaiye, a movie that featured Funke Akindele and Femi Adebayo.

In 2011, he was accused of cocaine trafficking by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, an allegation that was described as false and defamatory by the ruling of the Lagos State High Court. His solicitor was the late Bamidele Aturu, a Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist.

Celebrities, fans mourn late

veteran Actor, Baba Suwe

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has mourned popular Nigerian comic actor, Babatunde Omidina, who passed away on Monday.

Gbajabiamila said Omidina, popularly known by his stage name as Baba Suwe, was one thespian that entertained Nigerians and brought joy to many Nigerian homes through his comical talent.

The Speaker implored his children and family to find solace in how Baba Suwe used his God-given talent to influence the lives of others positively, saying he left behind a vacuum too difficult to fill.

Gbajabiamila, according to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Speaker on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, titled ‘Gbajabiamila mourns Baba Suwe,’ sent his condolences to the Omidina family, good people of Ikorodu, Lagos, the Nigerian film industry and Nigerians, especially the many fans of Baba Suwe.

More tributes have been pouring in from fans, colleagues and other dignitaries.