Veteran actor Sunday Omobolanle, popularly known as Papi Luwe and Aluwe has penned appreciation to God as he celebrates his 70th birthday.
Aluwe shared a picture of himself on Thursday on his Instagram page, expressing gratitude for the gift of life and announcing his new milestone.
He wrote, “Thank God for life. Happy 70th Birthday to me. I wish myself long life and prosperity in good health in Jesus name.
“Pappyluwe omo iya alaro 😄😄😄 @70.”
Papi Luwe embarked on his acting journey after being inspired by Gbekude, a weekly drama on NTA 10 performed by students from the University of Ife.
He initially worked as an apprentice pharmacy assistant but later joined the Ojo Ladipo Theatre Group in the early 1970s.
After Ojo Ladipo’s death in 1978, Sunday solidified his place in the theatre group, adopting the nickname “Aluwe.”
The “Papi” part of his moniker was later added by legendary musician King Sunny Ade at the Ariya nightclub, a spot Aluwe frequently visited.
Papi Luwe’s talent has seen him play a variety of roles beyond comedy.
He starred as Baba Mero in Omi Lo Danu, a tribute to Ojo Ladipo and as Osuntunde in Kannakanna.
More recently, he portrayed an Oyo chief in Kunle Afolayan’s critically acclaimed 2022 film, Anikulapo.
Despite persistent rumour of a feud with fellow actor Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello), Aluwe has consistently debunked the speculation.
At Jide Kosoko’s 70th birthday earlier this year, he even prostrated to greet Oga Bello, further dispelling any rumour of discord.
Also in a 2018 interview, he addressed alleged tensions over seniority stating, “It’s a lie. Mr Bello is my big brother. There was never an issue between us on who is the senior. We are like biological brothers.”
After the death of his first wife in 2006, Papi Luwe married actress Peju Omobolanle.
His son, actor Sunkanmi Omobolanle was born from his first marriage.
