A Legendary Nigerian comic actor, Babatunde Omidina, fondly called Baba Suwe is dead.
His son, Adesola Omidina while confirming the exit of Nollywood star on his Instagram page wrote: “This is to announce the sudden death of my father Mr Babatunde Omiidina. The legend and rare gem ‘Babasuwe’ 11/22/21. Other details will follow shortly!
“May your soul rest in perfect peace Dad,” he posted.
Baba Suwe, has revealed that he is currently unwell at the moment and unable to walk, no thanks to the experience he said was meted out to him by the personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
In 2011, the veteran thespian was arrested by the NDLEA with claims that he was in possession of substances suspected to be cocaine, after a body scanner at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos identified suspected drugs in his stomach.
With the assistance of his lawyer, the late Bamidele Aturu, a human rights activist, the allegation was described as false and defamatory by the ruling of a Lagos High Court. His fans and supporters cheered him as he left the court building after the hearing.
Since these incidents, the actor has not been active for years due to his failing health, which many attributed to his incarceration by the NDLEA.
In April 2019, he was flown to the United States of America, where he went for treatment after having diabetes.
Actor Yomi Fabiyi had on February 24, 2019, announced that the sum of N10 million donation was received from Rev. (Mrs.) Esther Ajayi through actor and producer, Gbenga Adewusi, aka Bayowa for the treatment of Baba Suwe in the US.
Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo had on February 21, 2019, donated the sum of one million naira to support the actor’s medical treatment. The donation was made through the Office of the Youth Organising Secretary, APC Lagos, Aregbe Idris.
Born on August 22, 1958, in Inabere Street in Lagos Island where he grew up, Baba Suwe actually hailed from Ikorodu local government area of Lagos State.
Omidina began acting 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, produced by Olaiya Igwe in 1997. He had featured and produced several Nigerian movies such as Baba Jaiye jaiye among others.