The Nigerian film industry is mourning the loss of veteran actor Abdulsalam Sanyaolu, popularly known as Agbako or Charles Olumo, who passed away on Thursday, October 31, at the age of 101.
The news of his death was confirmed by actor Jide Kosoko and later by the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN).
Kosoko shared the news on Instagram, posting, “Good night ooo, Baba Charles. a.k.a Agbako, 101 years, ba wasa ba. R I P.” At the same time, TAMPAN President Bolaji Amusan, known as Mr. Latin, issued a formal statement from the association, announcing, “#tampanglobal announces the passing of Pa Charles Olumo Sanyaolu, fondly known as AGBAKO. Details of the burial arrangements will be shared at a later time. Good night father, 25/02/1923 to 31/10/2024.”
Born on February 25, 1923, Sanyaolu, starred in several roles as chiefs, warriors, and villains. He began his career in stage plays before transitioning to film, becoming a pioneer in Yoruba cinema.
He starred in notable classics like Ogbori Elemosho and Atorunmo throughout his career.
Actress Funke Akindele joined in honoring his memory, writing, “Awwwwww may his soul rest in peace. Wow. Oluwa tobi loba.”
Kazim Adeoti, a prominent filmmaker and movie distributor, added, “May his soul rest in peace. Orun ‘re o Baba,” while Mercy Aigbe expressed, “May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Biodun Okeowo, affectionately known as Omo Butty, reflected on Agbako’s impact, saying, “Rest well sir. No matter how old our loved ones are, we never want to see them go! Kudos boss Afod for all you do.”
Actor Kunle Afod also Agbako’s influence in Nollywood, noting, “Good night pa Charles Olumo (Baba Agbako), the oldest actor. 101 years, Sun re ooo, O dabo, O di Oju Ala.”
