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Sunday Omobolanle: The Comic Legend Behind “Papi Luwe” and His Enduring Legacy in Nigerian Entertainment

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Celebrating over five decades of laughter, mentorship, and storytelling from one of Yoruba cinema’s most beloved icons

A Lifelong Stage of Laughter

The image features Sunday Omobolanle, fondly known by millions as “Papi Luwe” or “Baba Aluwe.” A veteran Nigerian actor, comedian, director, and producer, Omobolanle stands as one of the most influential figures in the Yoruba film industry. His career, which began in the theatre era before the dominance of home videos, has helped shape the foundation of modern Nigerian comedy and cinema.

Born on October 10, 1954, Sunday Omobolanle turned 71 in 2025, marking a milestone that celebrates not just his age but his legacy — a legacy filled with laughter, cultural storytelling, and mentorship that spans generations.

Early Life and Theatre Roots

Omobolanle’s journey into entertainment began through the Yoruba travelling theatre tradition, an art form that combined acting, music, dance, and cultural performance. Like many of his contemporaries, including Moses Olaiya (Baba Sala) and Hubert Ogunde, he honed his craft performing live plays across southwestern Nigeria, often in makeshift venues that brought communities together through humour and folklore.

It was within this vibrant theatre scene that Omobolanle developed his stage name, “Papi Luwe”, a character that became synonymous with his mischievous humour and social satire. His performances seamlessly blended moral lessons with comedy, a style that resonated deeply with Yoruba audiences and earned him a national following.

Rise to Stardom: From Stage to Screen

With the evolution of Nigerian entertainment into television and home video in the late 1980s and 1990s, Omobolanle transitioned from live theatre to film production. His comedic genius shone through in films such as Adun Ewuro, Papi Luwe, Baba Lukudi, and Ojo Idogo. These movies showcased his ability to portray both serious and humorous characters while addressing societal issues like greed, family conflict, and urbanisation.

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Beyond comedy, Omobolanle also earned respect as a scriptwriter and director, producing works that preserved Yoruba culture and moral values for future generations.

Family and Legacy

Sunday Omobolanle’s personal life is as rooted in the arts as his career. He is married to Peju Ogunmola, a respected actress and daughter of the legendary dramatist Kola Ogunmola. Their union represents a bridge between two great theatrical lineages in Nigeria.

Their son, Sunkanmi Omobolanle, continues the family legacy as a popular Nollywood actor and filmmaker. Together, the Omobolanle family embodies three generations of artistic excellence — from stage drama to modern cinema.

Contributions and Recognition

Over the years, Baba Aluwe has received several honours for his immense contribution to Nigerian entertainment. He has been recognised by industry bodies, cultural associations, and fans for promoting Yoruba culture and humour through film and theatre.

His influence also extends to mentoring younger actors and comedians. Many modern Yoruba film stars regard him as a mentor who paved the way for the success of indigenous storytelling in Nollywood.

A Legacy Beyond Comedy

While most Nigerians remember Sunday Omobolanle for his infectious laughter and slapstick humour, his work has always carried deeper meaning. Through satire, he highlighted issues such as corruption, family unity, education, and respect for tradition.

Even in his later years, Omobolanle remains active in the entertainment industry, occasionally appearing in films and cultural events. His enduring relevance speaks to his adaptability and deep understanding of the Nigerian audience.

References

The Guardian Nigeria, “Veteran Actor Sunday Omobolanle at 70: A Legacy of Laughter and Culture,” 2024.

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Punch Newspapers, “Papi Luwe: Five Decades of Stage and Screen Comedy,” 2023.

Nollywood Reinvented, “Sunday Omobolanle: The Living Legend of Yoruba Cinema,” 2022.

BBC Pidgin, “How Baba Aluwe Take Start Comedy for Yoruba Theatre,” 2021.

Vanguard Nigeria, “Peju Ogunmola and Sunday Omobolanle: A Love Story Built on Art,” 2022.

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Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

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15 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

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“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

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“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

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VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

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19 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

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VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

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19 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

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