Top 8 late Nollywood comic actors

Though they have transitioned to another realm, the memories they share with us are still very fresh. The originality they portrayed as actors and entertainers makes them unforgettable.

We bring you late Nollywood comic actors who have graced this world; contributed their quota to the growth of the entertainment industry and made movies delightful to watch. 

Here are the legendary comedians:

1. Gbenga Adeboye

Elijah Oluwagbemiga Adeboye was born on September 30, 1959 in Odeomu, Osun state. Adeboye was not just a comedian in his lifetime but a presenter, broadcaster, and master of ceremony. His ability and versatility in portraying different comic characters made him very popular and loved by many.

He started his career as a freelance radio presenter at Radio Lagos. Adeboye has many nicknames but one of them is “ Funwontan” which he got from his programme on Radio Lagos in the 1980s.

Adeboye was a man of many talents; he could sing, act, and crack jokes. He pioneered standup comedy in Nigeria. He impacted and embraced so many lives through his works. Adeboye nurtured and watched them grow until death knocked on his door.

Funwontan was very unique and regarded as a covenant child. He used his craft to address many societal ills. On April 30, 2003, Gbenga Adeboye passed on. Till date, his works are very relevant and all his mentees, friends and colleagues celebrate his remembrance every year.

2. Baba Suwe

Babatunde Omidina was born in Lagos Island on August 22, 1958. He attended both primary and secondary in Lagos and Osogbo respectively. His acting career kick-started when he was in secondary school and eventually joined a theatre group called Esumare Theater Group.

This group went on to perform stage plays at the Lagos Television. Afterwards, Baba Suwe was chosen based on his impressive performance to perform at Nigerian Television Authority (NTA Channel 7) and at the National Theater.

Baba Suwe’s acting career started as early as 1971. Erin Keke was the first television  comedy series he featured in before Omo Lasan and Iru Esin made him famous in the 1990s.

Baba Suwe’s way of dressing and his facial appearance on screen quickly made him stand out among his peers. Due to his uniqueness, he was regarded as the King of Comedy.  

Unfortunately, on November 22, 2021, Baba Suwe died at the age of 63 at his home in Ikorodu after a long illness. 

3. Dejo Tunfulu

Dejo Tunfulu was a very popular Yoruba comic actor in Nollywood. Kunle Makinde Adetokunbo was born on May 31, 1972. His stuttering character in movies earned him the name, Dejo Tunfulu.

In the 1980s, Dejo joined the school drama club to boost his ambition in theater. Officially, he began acting in 1987 when he featured in a television series titled, “Apere Ijogbon”. 

In the course of his journey and love for drama, he joined Akuko Gagara Theater Group and Kolawole International Theater to be more abreast with the profession. He was shot into stardom when he featured in Omo Oran, alongside Fatai Adetayo (Lalude).

Dejo was not only a Nollywood comic actor, but producer and a writer. He died on April 1, 2022. 

4. Mr Ibu

John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu was born on October 17 1961. He hails from Umunekwu, Enugu state. Right from his childhood, Mr Ibu was very resilient; after the death of his father, he did different menial jobs to fend for himself and his family. 

Okafor was able to send himself to school but later halted his education at Yola College of Education due to a lack of funds. Mr Ibu was a comic actor par excellence; without saying a word, his look alone made people laugh. He was also an inspiration to many, both senior and junior colleagues. 

Despite life travails, Mr Ibu as he was fondly called, surmounted a lot of hurdles. One of the groundbreaking moments in his life was when he went for a movie audition and was spotted by Pete Edochie who noticed how talented he was —- this marked the beginning of his journey to greatness in Nollywood. He featured in many movies and won the hearts of many fans, even beyond Nigeria with his exceptional interpretation of roles. 

He will continue to be remembered for his immense contribution to Nollywood and also one of the few actors who acted and showed love to Kannywood. Mr. Ibu died March 2 2024 after battling prolonged illness.

5. Amaechi Munuogor

Amaechi Munuogor was born on August 20 1962. He was a comic actor and producer. He hails from Obosi, Anambra state. This actor was featured in tons of movies in his lifetime. 

He attended St. Mary’s Primary School and Oraifite Grammar School. Afterwards, he studied economics at the University of Nigeria (Nsukka); graduated in 1987. 

Amaechi Munuogor started acting after he watched a live rehearsal — he was highly welcomed for the prowess he displayed afterwards. Munuogor was very talented; and excellent at interpreting roles — this distinguished as a professional actor.

He will always be remembered for his contribution, resilience and acting qualities he displayed on screen. Amaechi Munuogor died on March 24, 2024 as a result of ill health.

6. Muftau Oladokun (Alaran)

Alaran was a household name in the movie industry. He is also one of Nollywood’s finest when it comes to acting skills and versatility. Naturally, he was jovial and fun to be with.

His journey into Nollywood was accidental, having been hired as a driver by a theater group. His role was to transport people and equipment to movie locations.

He gained attention for his ability to crack jokes and this led to his first comic role in the theater group. Alaran was chosen when the actual lead did not show up; his interpretation of the script quickly gave him a place in the industry.

Despite not being educated, Alaran was able to distinguish himself from other comedians. He died in 2006 at the age of 46.

7. Koledowo

Tajudeen Akanmu, popularly known as Koledowo was a prominent figure in the Yoruba film industry. He was born in 1954 in Osogbo. While growing up, he really loved putting smiles on peoples faces with songs and jokes.

He was greatly influenced by late Nigerian filmmaker, Yekini Ajileye who featured him in some of his movies and contributed to Koledowo’s rise to stardom. Movies such as Eran Iya Osogbo,  Koto Aye and Koto Orun, were epic in his career.

Koledowo, during his lifetime, was not only a comedian but also a Fuji musician. He performed beyond his hometown (Osogbo); most especially Lagos and in carnivals. But he was mostly known for his comic roles in movies. 

Koledowo passed on in 2008 but the vacuum he left behind, yet to be filled because of his uniqueness.

8. Sisi Quadri

Tolani Oyebamiji Quadri, popularly known as Sisi Quadri was born December 26 1979. He was a native of Iwo, Osun state. Before he joined Nollywood, he was a fashion designer and a good master of Arabic and Quran. 

Sisi Quadri was introduced to acting by his mentors, Hameeda Shakeem and Toyin Olaiya. His performance in the movie, “Seranko Seniyan” and “Ebudola” was a breakthrough for him. His popularity grew when he started making skits and featuring in blockbusters movies.

He was very gifted in communication skill — this innate gift enabled him to navigate the world of entertainment very well and delivered outstanding performance through the character he usually portrayed —– comic and insulting. On March 1 2024, Sisi Quadri was reported dead.