Nollywood actor Ayobami Olabiyi is dead

Olabiyi, a respected figure in the Yoruba movie industry, reportedly died on Wednesday in Ibadan, Oyo State, after battling an illness that required him to be admitted to the University College Hospital (UCH). In his final days he would no longer be able to speak or move, and his health had deteriorated significantly.

The actor’s death was confirmed by leaders of the Theater Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), where he held the position of National Secretary.

An aide to the Governor of Oyo State, Bose Akinola, publicly announced his death, saying: “I have a directive from the Governor of Oyo State, Her Excellency Yeye Bose Akinola, to mourn the death of our National Secretary General of TAMPAN, Chief Alhaji Musadshir, to announce. Ayobami Olabiyi ‘Bobo B.’ May God give his family and all TAMPAN members worldwide the strength to bear the loss. Insha Allah, Amen.”

Olabiyi was also reportedly scheduled to appear on a film set in Oyo in September, but his declining health and subsequent hospitalization prevented him from attending.

Career

Olabiyi was a former Governor of TAMPAN Oh yes Stands. He switched to acting after 16 years as a teacher and retired in 1993. His breakthrough role came in the 1996 film Olaniyanu, which launched him into the spotlight.

The actor’s career has been marked by a variety of roles in both films and TV series. He impressed with performances in Adarugudu (2020), where he played a general, and Eewa (2022), where he played Oba Adewunmi. One of his previous notable roles was in Asife (2016) as Alfa, and he also appeared as Baba Dolapo in the hit film Alakada (2009).

His acting repertoire includes previous roles such as Dr. Lanipekun in Aye Jobele (2004) and Policeman 2 in Ago Kan Oru (2003).

Tribute

Following his death, many colleagues and friends shared heartfelt tributes to Olabiyi.

Abidemi Temitayo, on a Facebook afterrecalled a fond memory of being on a movie set.

He said, “I vividly remember the night I made that second slide with you after the shoot. We were both on set when the director gave us our lines; Say Y was the director at the time and asked us to do a camera rehearsal. I said it wasn’t necessary, and the director asked, “Do you want to?” Bobo B then replied, “Bidemi is sure of himself; she is not a child actor now.” We all laughed and shot the movie without needing a second take. Then the three of us, and later with the crew, took a photo together before we left. But today that same jovial man is no longer there. It is so shocking to hear about your death, Alhaji Mudashir Ayobami Olabiyi. This is so sad. Rest in peace, Bobo B. The industry will certainly miss you, even the world as a whole.”

Another emotional tribute came from Olori Oyikansola, who wrote on Facebook: “Death, death, death. The day of death is the day of rest. Ayobami Olabiyi, your death hurts me a lot, but illness makes no noise because it takes away the day. Child of the Abberi boss, child of Ayoro, child of Asewo Mojulekoko.”

Sangokunle Olasunkanmi also expressed his sadness: post“It is painful to announce the death of my brother Alhaji Chief Otunba Mudashiru Ayobami Olabiyi (alias Sondoko), Otunba of Iware, Akinyele LG. Rest in peace, Bobo B.”

Sanni Ismail added“May God give his family and all TAMPAN members worldwide the strength to bear this loss.” Another fan of his, Aminat Romoeke, shared her shock at the news, saying, “This news comes as a shock to me… This is very sad news!”

Olabiyi’s passing adds to the growing list of Nollywood losses in 2024, which includes notable figures such as John Okafor, Amechi Muonagor, Adejumoke Aderounmu, Junior Pope Odonwodo and Quadri Oyebamiji.