Nigerian Legendary theatre artist, Baba Sala, dies

The ace comedian and humour merchant, Apostle Moses Olaiya, popularly known as Baba Sala, during his dramatic exploits, is dead.

Tribune Online authoritatively gathered that Baba Sala, passed on inside his private residence at Ilesa, Osun State, around 10.00 pm on Sunday night.
According to a press statement signed by his media aide, Mr Isaac Haastrup, which was received by Tribune Online in Osogbo, the remains of the deceased comedian had been deposited at the morgue of the Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa.

Hastrup said, “Baba has died. He died some minutes to 10:00 pm on Sunday night.
“His remains have been taken to the morgue. He died of old-age related sickness.
“He came to church two Sundays ago and he was the one that said the benediction.

“Baba has gone to be with the Lord and he will be missed by many people including his fans.”
It was gathered that his body had been deposited at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex Annex, (Wesley Guild Hospital), Ilesa.
One of his sons, Emmanuel Adejumo, aka Boisala also confirmed his father’s demise in the early hours of Monday, on his Facebook page.

“My Daddy is gone. Finally gone home to glory. King of Comedy finally says bye-bye to this world.
“I will miss you so much Daddy. I love you so much but God loves you more. Good night my mentor, father, teacher, gist partner. My daddy is gone,” Boisala stated on Facebook.

Baba Sala was regarded as the father of modern Nigerian comedy, alongside other dramatists like Hubert Ogunde , Kola Ogunmola, Oyin Adejobi and Duro Ladipo who popularised theatre and television acting in Nigeria.
A prolific filmmaker, Baba Sala started his career in show business as a Highlife musician, floating in 1964 a group, the Federal Rhythm Dandies where he tutored the Jùjú music maestro, King Sunny Adé who was his lead guitarist.
Some of the films acted by the late comedian include; 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, ), among others. (NAN)
It would be recalled that Adejumo had been bedridden for months before his final demise Sunday night.