By Saidu Idris
365daily – A presidential aide, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, has described the death of iconic Yoruba comedian, Babatunde Omidina, popularly known as Baba Suwe, as a personal loss.
Eulogizing him as a “Merchant of laughter and master of his art”, Senator Ojudu in a statement on Tuesday November 23, said, “This is a personal loss for me . Each time I am down emotionally , or confounded by the troubles of this life and need an escape, I reach for his skits.
Baba Suwe, according to him, “never ceases to amuse me. His acting, his choice of subject , his use and application of words and his costume, his make up all added to make him a master of his art.
“When Fela, the music maestro was 50 and I asked him what outside of music, outside of making love, outside of criticizing government and being concerned with Nigeria, Africa and the human condition, he does. He answered: “I watch Aluwe”. That guy is a darn good comedian. He makes me laugh always.
“That was his answer. Aluwe was a comedian who at a time laughter seekers could not but reach out to. Baba Suwe came and rose, surpassed him and captured the imagination of his Yoruba audience like the rat trap captures its victim.
“Omidina’s death is a great loss to the world of comedy. I mean every word of this statement. In future years he will be studied in theatre art departments of universities across the world . Books will be written about him, PhD thesis will be produced on his works and career as an entertainer , a thespian.
“He was a huge talent, an original. Artistes like him are not many . They are few produced by God. We shall miss him. His memory however will live with us for as long as those body of works he left behind will ensure. Rest In Peace The Merchant of Laughter.”