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Hajiya Gambo Sawaba: The Lioness of Zaria

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In the conservative heart of Northern Nigeria, where purdah (the seclusion of women from public life) confined women to silence and politics was a forbidden arena, one woman roared loudly enough to shake the foundations of power — Hajiya Gambo Sawaba.

She was arrested no fewer than sixteen times, flogged in public, brutalized in jail, stripped naked, and tortured, and yet never silenced. History remembers her as the most jailed female activist in Nigeria’s history.

Born Hajaratu Gambo Sawaba on 15 February 1933 in Tudun Wada, Zaria, she was the daughter of Isa Amartey Amarteifio, a Ghanaian migrant who worked with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, and Fatima Amarteifio, a Nupe woman from Lavun, Niger State. She was the fifth of six children. By Hausa custom, any child born after twins was called “Gambo,” a name she bore for life.

From childhood, she displayed an untamable spirit. Folklore remembers her as a girl who always fought for the underdog. Whenever she saw children fighting, she would step in for the weaker one and declare:

“I have bought this fight from you.” Her clothes were often torn in these scuffles, until her mother, tired of constant repairs, began sewing her dresses from tarpaulin. Even as a child, Gambo revealed what would define her entire life: she was a fighter for the oppressed.

Tragedy struck early. Her father died when she was just 10 years old, and her mother three years later. Orphaned at 13, she was quickly married off to Abubakar Garba Bello, a World War II veteran. At 16, she gave birth to her only child, Bilikisu, but her husband abandoned her soon after, leaving her to raise her daughter largely alone. By 17, however, Gambo was already forging her own path in defiance of the strictures that confined Northern women.

In 1950, when Malam Aminu Kano founded the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) as a radical alternative to the conservative Northern People’s Congress (NPC), Gambo became one of its earliest female members. NEPU pushed for education, social justice, and women’s empowerment in sharp contrast to the NPC, which insisted: “We in the North are happy, our women are happy about their condition. We know what is right for women.”

Her fearlessness soon caught Aminu Kano’s attention. He gave her the name “Sawaba”, meaning redemption or freedom. An alternative story claims she earned the name after boldly addressing a rally in Jakara Market, Zaria, before the official male speaker arrived. When the councilman Alhaji Gambo Sawaba finally came, he declared that since she was the first woman to speak at a political rally in the North, she would henceforth be called Gambo Sawabiya. She, however, preferred the male version, “Sawaba,” and it became inseparable from her identity.

Her rise was meteoric. She was soon elected President-General of NEPU’s women’s wing, leading campaigns that shook the North. She went from house to house, speaking directly to women in purdah, addressed crowds in markets, and organized political meetings where no woman had dared to speak before. Her advocacy was fearless, she condemned child marriage, forced and unpaid labour, punitive taxes, and the denial of education and political rights to women.

But this activism came at a heavy price. In 1952, she was arrested in Kano and charged with “drawing women out of purdah.” She was sentenced to three months in prison, the first of sixteen prison sentences she would endure. She was jailed in Zaria, Kano, Kaduna, and Jos. Sometimes she was stripped naked and flogged several lashes; on other occasions, her hair was shaved off with a broken bottle. She was beaten so severely by thugs that she once lost all her front teeth, which had to be replaced with artificial ones. In 1957, she underwent surgery to remove her womb after brutal torture in prison.

Sawaba became so familiar with arrests that she always kept a blanket inscribed “Prison Yard” near her bed, ready for the next time police came knocking. Yet prison only strengthened her resolve. Crowds of women and men often packed the courtroom during her trials, chanting in her support.

Her fight extended to the ballot box. In 1956, she and other NEPU women marched to the office of Premier Sir Ahmadu Bello in Kaduna to demand voting rights for Northern women. He promised to consider their request but unfortunately he never fulfilled it. While women in the South gradually gained the franchise (1951 in Lagos, 1954 in the East, 1959 in the West), Northern women were told they would receive the vote only “in God’s time.” Sawaba mocked the excuse, declaring that had women been enfranchised earlier, she would have contested against these men. Ultimately, Northern women did not get the vote until 1976.

Her activism was not without personal sacrifice. After her separation from her first husband, she married three more times, a railway worker, a Cameroonian boxer (regularly threatened with deportation by her political enemies), and a businessman. None of the marriages lasted. She endured physical attacks, including one where six men beat her unconscious and left her for dead in the bush.

Despite all this, Sawaba remained a pillar of courage. Her home on Benin Street in Zaria became a hub for political meetings, filled with posters of Karl Marx, Thomas Sankara, and Samora Machel. She maintained an open-door policy, raising not only her daughter but also dozens of adopted children, relatives, orphans, and street kids. By the time of her death, she had taken in over 30 children, some from the hospital just days before her passing.

At home, she was warm and unpretentious. Her daughter Bilikisu remembered her love of cooking and her favourite dishes: Nupe dukuno, tuwo shinkafa, and sakwara. Yet beyond the domestic space, she remained an indomitable lioness of politics, blunt, non-conformist, outspoken.

In 1998, disillusioned by corruption and the loss of ideology in Nigerian politics, she formally retired, declaring: “Politics in the country has lost its flavour and is no longer a game of ideology, but a game of self-aggrandisement.” She died three years later, in October 2001, at the age of 68.

Her funeral in Zaria was attended by two former heads of state, a testament to her political stature. Tributes poured in, with the New Nigerian describing her as “the most tortured and jailed Nigerian female politician.” Her daughter Bilikisu summed up her mother’s life simply: “She never stopped hoping for a better society and remained optimistic that Nigerians, especially women, would be free from tyranny and dictatorial leadership.”

Hajiya Gambo Sawaba lived and died as she had always been, a fighter, a redeemer, a lioness who roared for the voiceless.

Today, her memory endures in monuments such as the Hajiya Gambo Sawaba General Hospital in Zaria, a hostel at Bayero University, Kano (BUK) named after her, and in the many statues raised in her honour.

Hajiya Gambo Sawaba fought, bled, and endured for the rights of women and the poor. She never asked for applause but her legacy roars on, immortalizing her as the true Lioness of Zaria.

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Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji “Sisi Quadri”: Life and Legacy of a Yoruba Comic Actor

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Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, popularly known as Sisi Quadri, was a beloved Nigerian actor and comedian who left a memorable mark in the Yoruba film industry. Known for his quick wit, distinctive comic style, and sharp-tongued roles, he brought joy and laughter to audiences through films and online skits that resonated across generations.

Early Life and Education

Sisi Quadri was born in Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria. While details about his early education are not widely documented, his Yoruba upbringing in Iwo strongly shaped his cultural identity. This background later influenced his acting style, his comedic delivery, and his connection with grassroots audiences.

Career

Sisi Quadri rose to prominence in the Yoruba Nollywood scene, where he became known for playing flamboyant, humorous, and often insult-driven characters. His breakthrough performance in the Yoruba epic Seniyan Seranko earned him recognition for his sharp dialogue and unique comedic brilliance.

Beyond films, he also embraced the digital era by featuring in online skits, where his expressive style and mastery of Yoruba humor made him a favorite among younger audiences. His ability to balance traditional Yoruba film acting with contemporary comedy culture ensured his relevance across different entertainment platforms.

Personal Life

Though widely celebrated on screen, Sisi Quadri lived a relatively private personal life. He remained deeply connected to his hometown of Iwo and was known for his strong ties to family and community. His humility off-screen contrasted with the bold, comedic personas he portrayed in movies and skits.

Death and Burial

Sisi Quadri passed away on March 1, 2024, at the age of 44. Reports stated he died after a brief illness, though the exact cause was not publicly confirmed. He was buried in his hometown of Iwo, Osun State, in line with local traditions and family wishes. His passing drew widespread mourning across Nigeria’s entertainment community, with tributes pouring in from colleagues, fans, and cultural stakeholders.

Legacy

Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji is remembered as one of Yoruba Nollywood’s standout comic actors. His trademark ability to deliver humor through satire and exaggeration made him a household name. Importantly, he also bridged the gap between traditional Yoruba cinema and modern online comedy, inspiring younger comedians who now blend stage performance with viral skits.

His performances continue to circulate widely on digital platforms, ensuring his comedic spirit lives on. For many, Sisi Quadri remains a symbol of Yoruba comic excellence and a reminder of the enduring power of humor in Nigerian storytelling.

Sources

Pulse Nigeria – Yoruba comic actor Sisi Quadri dies at 44

The Nation – Sisi Quadri: Yoruba actor passes on

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Kunle Adetokunbo “Dejo Tunfulu”: Life, Career and Untimely Death of a Yoruba Comic Star

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Kunle Adetokunbo, widely known by his stage name Dejo Tunfulu, was one of Nigeria’s most beloved Yoruba actors and comedians. Renowned for his witty performances and ability to capture the humor of everyday life, he carved a special place in Nollywood’s Yoruba film industry. His death on April 1, 2022, at the age of forty nine, left fans and colleagues in deep shock.

Early Life and Education

Kunle Adetokunbo was born on May 31, 1972, in Idumota on Lagos Island, Lagos State. He attended Ansar Ud Deen Primary School in Lagos for his basic education and later studied at Dolphin High School in Ebute Metta. Afterward, he trained in printing at the Modern Way Nigeria School of Printing in Lagos, developing a professional skill alongside his passion for drama and comedy.

Career and Rise to Fame

Dejo Tunfulu began acting in the late 1980s, starting with local theatre groups in Lagos. His breakthrough came when he joined the Akuko Gagara Theatre Group and appeared in television productions such as Apere Ijongbon.

The nickname “Dejo Tunfulu” originated from his role as a stammerer in stage plays, a comic portrayal that resonated strongly with audiences. Over time, the name became his enduring stage identity.

He went on to feature in numerous Yoruba films including Hally The Drummer, Ito, Won Tun Ro, and Ejide. His characters often combined humor, mischief, and satire, earning him recognition as one of the Yoruba film industry’s finest comic actors. Beyond traditional films, his style also inspired modern skit makers and comedians who saw him as a bridge between stage comedy and Nollywood screen acting.

Personal Life

Dejo Tunfulu was married and had children, though he kept his family life largely private. Colleagues described him as a devoted family man and a cheerful presence on set. Reports indicated that he lost his first wife years before his own passing, a personal tragedy that deeply affected him.

Illness and Death

In the period leading up to his death, Dejo Tunfulu was reported to have battled kidney related illness. Despite efforts to manage his condition, he passed away on April 1, 2022, at the age of forty nine. His death was confirmed by fellow actors and filmmakers on social media, and tributes poured in across the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Legacy

Dejo Tunfulu left an indelible mark on Yoruba Nollywood. His unique comic style drew from the rhythms of Lagos street life and everyday Yoruba expressions, blending them into performances that were both authentic and entertaining. Younger actors and comedians continue to cite him as an influence, ensuring that his craft and creativity remain part of the Yoruba comic tradition.

His passing created a significant void in Nollywood comedy, yet his films and performances continue to remind audiences of his gift for evoking laughter. For many, his name remains synonymous with joy and lighthearted entertainment.

Sources

Punch Nigeria – Actor Dejo Tunfulu dies at 49
Vanguard Nigeria – Yoruba actor Dejo Tunfulu passes on
PM News Nigeria – Tributes pour in for Yoruba comic actor Dejo Tunfulu

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Babatunde Omidina “Baba Suwe”: Life, Legacy and Struggles of a Comedy Legend

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Babatunde Omidina, popularly known by his stage name Baba Suwe, was one of Nigeria’s most celebrated comedians and actors, particularly in Yoruba Nollywood. His career blended humor, cultural storytelling, and relatable performances that endeared him to millions. While his life was marked by great creative success, it was also shaped by legal struggles and health challenges that tested his resilience.

Early Life, Family and Education

Baba Suwe was born on August 22, 1958, on Inabere Street, Lagos Island. Though he grew up in Lagos, he traced his roots to Ikorodu in Lagos State.

He began his education at Jamaitul Islamia Primary School in Lagos before attending a children’s boarding school in Osogbo. For secondary school, he enrolled at Adekanbi Commercial High School in Mile 12, Lagos, and later completed his West African School Certificate at Ifeoluwa Grammar School in Osogbo.

Some reports suggest he left formal education at Form Four due to his growing interest in theatre and performance. He was the only child of his parents, both of whom were traders.

Career and Rise to Stardom

Baba Suwe’s passion for acting began while he was still a student. He joined the Osumare Theatre Group and performed in stage plays, including Baoku. He began acting professionally around 1971 but rose to prominence with the film Omolasan, which was produced in Obalende.

His career breakthrough came with Iru Esin, produced by Olaiya Igwe in 1997, which established him as one of Yoruba Nollywood’s finest comic actors.

Over the years, Baba Suwe appeared in and produced numerous Yoruba films including Baba Jaiye Jaiye, Oju Oloju, Baba Londoner, and Aso Ibora. His style was defined by his ability to embody ordinary characters—often servants, guards, or everyday people—using humor, wit, and cultural nuance to reflect the experiences of Yoruba society.

Legal Troubles and Health Battles

In October 2011, Baba Suwe was arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Lagos Airport on suspicion of cocaine trafficking. He was detained for several days, but the allegations were eventually dismissed. A Lagos High Court later ruled that the arrest was false and defamatory. Baba Suwe’s lawyer in the case was the late human rights advocate Bamidele Aturu.

The arrest deeply affected his reputation and, according to many colleagues and family members, contributed to a decline in his health. In subsequent years, he battled diabetes and related complications.

In 2019, he traveled to the United States for medical treatment, funded in part by donations from philanthropists and public figures. By 2021, reports indicated that he was struggling with mobility and required assistance with daily activities.

Death and Funeral

Baba Suwe died on November 22, 2021, at the age of sixty three. His son, Adesola Omidina, confirmed the news on social media.

He was buried at his residence in Ikorodu, Lagos State, beside his late wife, Mosurat Omidina, popularly known as Moladun Kenkelewu. His funeral was attended by colleagues, Islamic clerics, family members, and fans. Though debates arose regarding burial rites—including the use of a coffin, which diverges from traditional Islamic practice—his family and the entertainment community sought to honor him in a way befitting his stature as a cultural icon.

Legacy and Impact

Baba Suwe is remembered as a pioneer of Yoruba comedy in Nollywood, with a career that spanned decades and shaped the industry’s approach to humor. His characters reflected the lives of everyday people, and his timing and improvisational skills made him a household name.

Beyond his comedic legacy, his life story sheds light on the struggles of Nigerian entertainers, from inadequate health support to the consequences of wrongful persecution. His ordeal with the NDLEA and subsequent health decline remain cautionary tales in discussions of justice and celebrity welfare in Nigeria.

Today, his films continue to entertain audiences and inspire younger comedians. His name lives on as a symbol of resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of laughter in Nigerian cinema.

Sources

Punch Nigeria – “Rise to stardom, health battles, other things to know about comic actor Baba Suwe”
NaijaBeats – “The life and career of Baba Suwe”

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