Iconic Nigerian comedian, Babatunde Omidina, popularly known as Baba Suwe, is dead.
The prolific actor died on Monday after a long battle with an illness.
Baba Suwe, who was was married to late comedienne Omoladun Omidina, was born on August 22, 1958,.
He dominated the Yoruba movie industry for decades and featured in several movies and bagged many awards.
A fellow actor who pleaded anonoimity, confirned the death.
The Theatre Arts and Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) will issue a statement soon.
Early life
Babatunde Omidina was born on August 22, 1958 in Inabere Street in Lagos Island where he grew up, but hailed 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. However, he obtained the West African School Certificate from Ifeoluwa Grammar School in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State.
Acting career
Omidina began acting in 1971, but shot 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 drug 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.
