Baba Sala, Father of Nigerian Comedy, Dies at 82

Segun Atanda/

 

If you hear the heavens roaring with laughter today, there could only be one reason why.

The Angels have gained from Nigeria’s loss.

The father of Nigerian comedy, a dramatist and actor, Chief Moses Olaiya Adejumo MON, popularly known as Baba Sala, has joined the saints.

He died at his private residence in Ilesa, Osun State, on Sunday night.

His son Emmanuel Boisala Adejumo broke the news of Baba Sala’s passage on Facebook.

He was rumoured to have died in 2015 and 2017 after suffering a stroke.

Born in 1936, Baba Sala, a Yoruba from Ijesha, popularized theatre and television acting in Nigeria alongside other dramatists like Hubert Ogunde, Kola Ogunmola, Oyin Adejobi and Duro Ladipo.

He was a prolific filmmaker who used to call himself Ajibike Oropo, Oko Wosi Wonkoko, Oloju Ede.

Among his creations are: Orun Mooru (1982), Aare Agbaye (1983), Mosebolatan (1985), Obee Gbona (1989), Diamond (1990 Home video), Agba Man (1992, Home Video), Return Match (1993, Home Video), Ana Gomina (1996, home video, ), Tokunbo (1985, TV).

Baba Sala started his career in show business as a Highlife musician, fronting in 1964 a group known as the Federal Rhythm Dandies where he tutored and guided the jùjú music maestro, King Sunny Adé, who was his lead guitar player.

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