Moses Olaiya, popularly known as Baba Sala, Oko Wosila Wosiwonkoko among theatre lovers, is dead.
He was 82.
Born on 18 May, 1936, Baba Sala, according to his son, Emmanuel Biosola Adejumo, died on Sunday, October 7, 2018, in his Ilesa country home.
A Yoruba from Ijeshaland, Baba Sala was widely regarded as the father of modern Nigerian comedy. He, alongside other iconic dramatists like Hubert Ogunde, Kola Ogunmola, Oyin Adejobi and Duro Ladipo popularized theatre and television acting in Nigeria. He was also a prolific filmmaker.
Significantly, Baba Sala started his career in show business as a Highlife musician, fronting in 1964 a group known as the Federal Rhythm Dandies where he tutored and guided the jùjú music maestro, King Sunny Ade, who was his lead guitar player.