By Peter.
Nigeria’s entertainment scene is reeling from the loss of a comedy kingpin: Prince Oyewole Olowomojuore, better known as Baba Gebu, has died at 82 after a short battle with an undisclosed illness. The heartbreaking news broke on Wednesday evening, November 12, 2025, via an emotional Instagram post from fellow actor and producer Kunle Afod, who called him a “great legend” whose absence leaves a massive void in Yoruba cinema.
“It saddens my heart as I announce the passing away of our great legend, a great actor who passed away this evening after a brief illness… BABA GEBU, may your soul rest in peace.” — Kunle Afod
Afod shared poignant photos of Baba Gebu in his signature roles, sparking a flood of tributes from fans and peers who remembered his versatile charisma and timeless humor that lit up 1990s TV screens and beyond.
A Storied Career: From Comedy Gold to Mentorship Mastery
Hailing from Ile-Ife, Osun State, Baba Gebu was a pillar of Yoruba-language Nollywood, dazzling audiences with his comic flair in countless productions. Highlights include:
- A standout role in Kunle Afolayan’s 2020 thriller “Citation”, where he portrayed a sharp senior academic probing a sexual harassment scandal—proving his dramatic chops extended far beyond laughs.
- Mentoring waves of younger stars, infusing sets with his professionalism and infectious wit that made every shoot “lively and memorable,” as one co-star recalled.
Even in later years, Baba Gebu stayed resilient—taking up farming (fish and livestock) to sustain himself amid industry ups and downs.
Heartbreak Echoes: Coping with Loss in 2024
Just last year, Baba Gebu opened up about the devastating death of his wife, sharing how diving back into acting became his lifeline against depression and grief.
“Returning to the screen helped me heal—it’s what kept me going.”
His words now hit harder, a testament to the man who turned personal pain into professional fire.
Stars & Fans Pour Out Grief: “This Is Sad”
The outpouring has been swift and soul-stirring:
- Yemi Solade (Yemi My Lover): “This is sad! Baba Gebu, rest well, legend.”—echoing the shock rippling through Nollywood.
- X Buzz: Trending under #RIPBabaGebu, with posts like “Nollywood loses a gem—his laughter healed us all” (from @nairaroot, racking up shares). Fans reminisced: “From TV comedies to Citation—Baba Gebu was irreplaceable.” One viral thread: “82 years of joy; heaven gained a comedian.”
Nollywood’s golden era feels a little dimmer today, but Baba Gebu’s legacy—laughter, lessons, and unyielding spirit—endures. As Afod put it, he’s not gone; he’s just “resting in peace” after a life well-acted.
Rest eternal, Olowo Mojoyin. 🇳🇬🎭
#RIPBabaGebu #NollywoodLegend #YorubaCinema #KunleAfod #BabaGebuForever #NigerianFilmGreat
