He was born on 18 May 1936 in Ilesha, located in what was then the Southern Region of British Nigeria, now part of Osun State. Hailing from the Yoruba ethnic group, specifically the Ijesha subgroup, Olaiya grew up in a culturally rich environment that later influenced his contributions to Nigerian theatre and comedy.
He began his career in the arts as a musician, forming the Highlife band Federal Rhythm Dandies in 1964. In this ensemble, he nurtured young talents, most notably King Sunny Adé, who served as his lead guitarist and would later become a global music icon. Olaiya’s musical background provided a strong foundation for his transition into theatre and comedy, blending rhythm, performance, and storytelling to engage audiences.
Olaiya’s formal education included primary schooling in Ilesha, but he showed early creative aptitude, which led him to focus on the performing arts rather than conventional professional training. His family supported his artistic pursuits, and he remained deeply connected to his Yoruba roots throughout his life. He had children, including Emmanuel Adejumo and Mayowa Adejumo, who survived him.
Baba Sala’s career in comedy and theatre was groundbreaking. He is widely regarded as the father of modern Nigerian comedy, pioneering a style that combined social commentary with humor. Alongside other theatre legends such as Hubert Ogunde, Kola Ogunmola, Oyin Adejobi, and Duro Ladipo, he popularized theatrical performance and television acting in Nigeria. Over the decades, he wrote, produced, and performed in numerous plays and films, leaving a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Olaiya passed away on 7 October 2018 in Ilesha, Osun State, at the age of 82. His death marked the end of an era, but his legacy continues to influence Nigerian comedians, actors, and performers across generations.
Sources:
The Guardian Nigeria – Baba Sala: The Father of Nigerian Comedy
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