Babatunde Omidina who was also popular as Baba Suwe died on Monday November 22 2021. He spent 50 years out of the 63 he lived writing his name in gold as a Nigerian actor and comedian who also wore the hat of being a notable producer. He was famous for his roles in Yoruba films that include Ba o Ki, Baba Londoner, Obelomo, and Baba Jaiye Jaiye.
Baba Suwe Early Life and Parents
He was born Babatunde Omidina in Island, Lagos on August 22 1958 but hails from Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Lagos State. He is from a large family as a result of his father’s marriage to 3 wives. His family was an average one as his parents were involved in trading.
As to his education, he began his educational pursuits at Jamaitul Islamia Primary School in Lagos before moving to Children Boarding School, Osogbo. Subsequently, Baba Suwe moved to Adekanbi Commercial High Secondary School which was followed by Ifeoluwa Grammar School in Osogbo of Osun State.
He Started Acting At The Age of 13
In 1971 at the age of 13, Baba Suwe had begun to explore the options of being an actor in school drama. However, it was at the age of 18 that he took his acting professionally when he became a part of the group, Osumare Theatre Group. His talent grew with the group and soon moved to TV acting on NTA Channel 7, and LTV 8.
Years passed and Baba Suwe found himself creating different characters as an actor. Fast forward to 1997, he became well known in many parts of Nigeria as a result of his starring in Iru Esin. His career continued for well over 4 decades featuring in movies with the younger generation of Nigerian actors like Funke Akindele and Femi Adebayo and a host of others.
Selected Films of Baba Suwe
- Ìkúnlè kèsán (2008)
- Nkan agbara (2007)
- Ó kojá òfin (2006)
- Aimasiko eda (2005)
- Owo laso oge (2004)
- Ito funfun (2004)
- Olorun esan (2004)
- 36 Kiniun (2003)
- April fúùlù (2003)
- Babie (2003)
- Maradona (2003)
- N150 Million (2003)
- Perosoko (2003)
- Àkóbí gómìnà (2002)
His Wife Was an Actress Who Died in 2009
In 1995, Baba Suwe became married to Monsurat Omoladun Omidina, a Nigerian actress famous for her roles in Nkan Agbara (2008), Ògo ìdílé (2004), Ojabo Kofo and (2003). Omaladan Omidina was also known as Kenkenlewu.
In 2009, Baba Suwe’s wife was found dead with blood coming out of her nose and mouth. The death seemed mysterious to the public and Baba Suwe was then accused to have had a hand in the death. However, it was later exposed by the family that she was killed by hypertension, based on the doctors’ reports.
His step-daughter and the daughter of Monsurat was said to have accused him of killing her mother as the late couple has a protracted quarrel prior to the death of the actress. A claim she later confirmed it was false.
Before her death, the couple had 2 children that including Adesola Morenikeji Omodina – an actor, filmmaker, and entrepreneur.
How Did Baba Suwe Die?
The news of the ailment of Babsuwe reached the public in 2019 and the TAMPAN was reportedly footing his medical bills right from 2017. He received treatment both in Nigeria and the United States for complications of diabetes and other ailments that have were left out of the reach of the public.
On Monday, November 22, 2021, his son, Adesola Omidina announced Baba Suwe’s death on Instagram.
Prior to this, there were rumors of the death of the screen star in 2019 and 2020. On both occasions, the late actor and his son refuted the claims.
There Were Drug Trafficking Controversies Against Him Before His Death
In 2011, Baba Suwe was headed for Paris and was at the Lagos airport when his body was scanned and there was suspected drugs in his system. The latter was then arrested and kept in custody for about 3 weeks for the offense he stood to his ground not to have committed.
The late comedian retaliated by sending his case to court which awarded him more than $155,000 for flagrant abuse and infringement of his fundamental right. The payment will be accompanied by a public apology to Babatunde by the NDLEA.
See Also: Bolanle Ninalowo – 10 Facts About The Actor, His Marriage And Divorce
7 Interesting Fast Facts You Should Know About Baba Suwe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfcRVa-k27U
1. Baba Suwe was allegedly a school dropout.
2. Before his death, Baba Suwe reportedly had a net worth estimated at above $500,000.
3. Following the death of his late wife, he opened up in an interview on his plans to become married again.
4. His ailment attracted many notable people that contributed to footing his hospital bills. Among them is Nigeria’s Vice president Yemi Osibanjo.
5. His death spurred accusations by his son when he claimed that the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria and Nigerian abandoned his father at the time of ailment. He later apologized and retracted the comment through Instagram.
6. His family runs a comedy series on YouTube, “Baba Suwe’s Family”.
7. He had a close professional relationship with Bamidele Aturu – a late Nigerian lawyer and activist who was committed to representing the oppressed, It was Bamidele who represented Baba Suwe on his drug trafficking case.
