Legendary Nigerian actor Abdulsalam Sanyaolu, popularly known as Charles Olumo or Baba Agbako, has passed away at the age of 101.
The iconic actor died on October 31, 2024, after a remarkable career spanning over four decades in the Yoruba film industry.
The Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) president, Bolaji ‘Mr Latin’ Amusan, announced the actor’s passing on Instagram, expressing his sorrow.
“#tampanglobal announces the passing of Pa Charles Olumo Sanyaolu, fondly known as AGBAKO. Details of the burial arrangements will be shared at a later time. Good night father, 25/02/1923 to 31/10/2024,” he wrote.
Born on February 19, 1923, in Abeokuta, Ogun state, Baba Agbako was celebrated for his unique roles in Yoruba cinema, particularly his action-packed and often fearsome portrayals.
His illustrious career began in 1953 when he joined a drama group at the Apostolic Church in Mushin, Lagos, and later trained other church drama groups before fully immersing himself in the Yoruba film industry.
Before his acting career, Agbako worked as a mechanic and briefly pursued amateur boxing, both of which contributed to his enduring on-screen persona.
Known for films such as “Taxi Driver,” “Jagun,” “Amin Orun,” “Aiye,” “Jayesinmi,” “Soworo Ide,” and “Igbo Dudu.”
