Ace comedian, Baba Sala buried in Ilesa, amid encomiums

THE burial rites of the late comedian, Apostle Moses Olaiya Adejumo, popularly known as Baba Sala climaxed on Friday in Ilesa, his country home as his remains were interred in his private residence, amidst encomiums.

A lying-in-state ceremony had earlier been organised for him at the Cultural Centre, Ibadan on Thursday, where dignitaries and other notable artists in the Nollywood paid his their last respect.

However, before his internment, burial service was held for him at Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Idasa Parish, Ilesa, which was also attended by notable thespians from the Yoruba genre of the entertainment industry.

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In his admonition, the Baba Aladura for Cherubim and Seraphim Church Progressive International, Pastor M. O Adeoye charged the people, irrespective of religion and ethnic backgrounds to emulate the good Christian life of Adejumo and his virtues by making positive impacts in the lives of the people and the society.

According to him, “he (Baba Sala) was a good Christian and dedicated his life to service. Long after today, people will continue to make reference to him for all good reasons. The message for us is to always do our best to be good before God and men.”

Speaking during a chat with journalists, one of the children of the deceased, Mrs Oyindamola Adejumo-Ayibiowu described her father as a generous individual, who was ready to help the needy in his environment, adding that “he turned the comedy in Nigeria to gold mine through his great exploits in the 70s and 80s.”

The representative of the Oyo State government, who is also the Commissioner for Information, Mr Toye Arulogun said the administration of Governor Isiaka Ajimobi wanted the remains of the late comedian to be buried in Ibadan, but the wish of the family that he should be interred in his Ilesa residence had to be respected.

He, however, assured that all his legacies in Ibadan would be persevered and protected.

Notable artists, who graced the burial include Gabriel Afolayan, son of the popular late dramatist, “‘Ade Love”, Chief Lere Paimo, Kayode Elesho, Dele Odule, Iyabo Ojo, among others.

It is recalled that The 81-year old Baba Sala, who was a recipient of Member of Order of Niger (MON) passed on after a brief illness on the 7th of October, 2018.