Popular comedian Baba Sala succumbs to long tern illness and passes away at his Ilesha home

POPULAR comedian Moses Olaiya Adejumo popularly known as Baba Sala by his teaming fans passed away last night at his private residence at Ilesa in Osun State at the age of 82 succumbing to a long term illness.

A converted clergyman Baba Sala had been bedridden for months before his final demise and eventually gave up on the battle. One of his sons, Emmanuel Adejumo, known as Boisala announced his father's death in the early hours of today.

He said: “My Daddy is gone. Finally gone home to glory. King of Comedy finally say bye-bye to this world. I will miss you so much Daddy. I love you so much but God love you more. Good night my mentor, father, teacher, gist partner. My daddy is gone.”

Isaac Haastrup, Baba Sala's media aide, said the remains of the deceased comedian had been deposited at the morgue of the Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa. Over the coming weeks, the family are expected to announce funeral details.

Regarded as the father of modern Nigerian comedy alongside other dramatists like Hubert Ogunde, Kola Ogunmola, Oyin Adejobi and Duro Ladipo, Baba Sala popularised theatre and television acting in Nigeria. A prolific filmmaker, Baba Sala started his career as a highlife musician in 1964 with a group known as the Federal Rhythm Dandies, where he tutored and guided the juju maestro, King Sunny Ade, who was his lead guitarist at the time.