Renowned veteran comic actor, Babatunde Omidina aka Baba Suwe has died at the age of 63.
The popular comedian reportedly died on Monday due to a protracted illness.
His death was revealed by the President of Theatre Arts and Motion Picture Producers Association of Nigeria, Bolaji Amusan also known as Mr Latin.
“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.” Mr Latin said.
Baba Suwe was born on August 22, 1958.
Unfortunately, his wife, comedienne Omoladun Omidina, died earlier in September 2009.
The movie veteran dominated the Yoruba film industry for many years. He also bagged several awards making him one of the greatest Yoruba actors in Nigeria.
Born in Inabere Street on Lagos Island where he grew up, Baba Suwe hails from Ikorodu local government area of Lagos State.
He had his primary education at Jamaitul Islamial Primary School in Lagos and Children Boarding School, Osogbo before proceeding to Adekanbi Commercial High School in Mile 12, Lagos state but obtained the West African School Certificate from Ifeoluwa Grammar School in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State.
Baba Suwe began acting in 1971 but came into 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 featured and produced several Nigerian movies such as Baba Jaiye jaiye, a movie that featured Funke Akindele and Femi Adebayo, the son of the veteran actor Adebayo Salami.
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 high court of law. His solicitor was the late Bamidele Aturu, a Nigerian lawyer and human right activist.
