Popular Yoruba actor, Baba Suwe, dies at 63

Veteran Yoruba actor Babatunde Omidina aka Baba Suwe is dead.

The actor died on Monday at 63.

Baba Suwe’s death was announced by one of his daughters, Adesola Omidina.

She said: “This is to announce the death of my father, Babatunde Omidina, the legend and rare gem, Baba Suwe on November 22, 2021. Details and other arrangements will be announced shortly.”

Baba Suwe became popular for his comical roles in Nollywood films with Yoruba language.

National President, Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Assocation of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Bolaji Amusan also confirmed the death.

“Yes, we lost Baba Suwe to the cold hands of death, it is unfortunate, further information will be sent out soon,” said Amusan popularly called Mr Latin.

The cause of his death was not disclosed.

Baba Suwe, who hailed from Ikorodu, was born August 22, 1958 in Inabere Street, Lagos Island, where he grew up.

Omidina began his acting career in 1971 but came 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” in 1997.

He had featured and produced several Nigerian films such as: Baba Jaiye Jaiye.

In 2011, he was accused of cocaine trafficking by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), an allegation that was described as false and defamatory by the ruling of a Lagos High Court.

Omidina suffered poor health in 2018, making several Nigerians, including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, to donate funds for his medical treatment abroad.