Actress Eniola Ajao has paid a tribute to late actor and comedy legend Babatunde Omidina, popularly known as Baba Suwe.
On Thursday, Eniola shared a picture of the iconic actor on Instagram, accompanied by a caption citing his contributions to the Nigerian film industry.
“There’s no way you’ll tell the story of comedy in the Nigerian film industry and not dedicate a whole chapter or more to this man,” she wrote.
“He redefined comedy and gave a career to many we enjoy today… Babatunde Omidina – Baba Suwe!🕊️
“The street remembers this icon, a great thespian who made himself the number one cure for depression. He was not only good, he was great. We miss you, Baba Suwe.
“What movie reminds you of this special talent? For me? 2 ge 4 and Oba ju oba lo which was magic with @mrlatin1510.”
Fans and celebrities flooded the comment section with tributes of their own, reminiscing about Baba Suwe’s movies.
Baba Suwe, widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Nigerian comedy, made headlines in 2011 when he was detained by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over allegations of drug trafficking.
A Lagos High Court later ruled the accusations were false, a victory championed by his lawyer, the late human rights activist Bamidele Aturu.
The actor’s health began to decline following the ordeal, which many linked to his incarceration.
In April 2019, he traveled to the United States for treatment after battling diabetes.
Baba Suwe passed away in 2021.
