Connect with us

News

Yomi Obileye: Now death has stricken

Published

on

Oh my God! He was to be back on Palace set with us. I have been postponing speaking with him for the last two weeks. I planned to visit him after the lockdown.

Now death has stricken.

Uncle Yomi was a great jolly good fellow. He was with us in Tade Ogidan’s Hostages between the late 80s & 1991, a shoot that took us about two years to complete due to so many factors.

We all just left Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Tade had kept the Hostages script with him for long, waiting for the opportunity that would make it happened.

With little money, Tade family’s saving (May God watch over baba, Tade’s late dad whose tolerance for our excesses was legendary) as we turned his house to studio, office making him to move from one section of the house to another for us to use any space we chose, even in his retirement. It was in the midst of this that uncle Yomi came in as part of our ambitious film before Nollywood was dreamt of.

Advertisement

Having confirmed our decision to have him played one of the leads, Tade and l left Lagos on a Friday around 3pm for lbadan. We traveled through Abeokuta to check my wife ,who was then an accountant of a bank in Abeokuta.

After a late lunch, we both dosed off and woke up around 7:00pm ready to face lbadan; disregarding my wife objection to the risky journey through the Odeda road that was under repair and being our first time traveling on that road. The car we were traveling in was a fairly used BMW 2 series.

We eventually arrived in lbadan around 9:00pm, got to uncle Yomi’s house at about 9:30 p.m. He was all over us, bothering about what we would like for dinner and within an hour of our arrival, his wife had prepared sumptuous meal of varieties.

lt was over dinner we discussed about reason for our visit. We were not there for his consideration of playing the role, but to inform him to accept the play.

We were through by 10:30pm and set to depart for Lagos, uncle Yomi objected; telling us that our rooms had been prepared.

Advertisement

For us, we must return. Because of logistics ahead in our pre-production stage, we quickly lied to him that we already book into a hotel as soon as we arrived in lbadan. He reluctantly agreed with suspicious disposition.

We got on the Lagos/lbadan highway, Tade behind the wheels driving like a fugitive trying to escape a thousand patrol car chasing us; my heart filled my mouth through the dangerous speed.

Next was uncle Yomi finally joining us in late 89 to commence shoot that took us about two years of several postponement to gather money.

Many times, uncle Yomi would used his money to feed some and dash to several others.

The most striking thing that stood him out as a compassionate character was when he was finally paid for the job he stood with us through thick and thin to achieve. He gave his entire fee to one rascal among the crew, a friend of the house that l would not want to mention his name to go and settle some debt he was owing. This his unusual and onerous act left an indelible mark in my heart for him.

Advertisement

The same scenario repeated itself when Ralph and I had to visit him in lbadan to cast him for the lead in Palace in 1997.

We arrived lbadan late as usual and he and his wife were there to receive us, with yet a sumptuous dinner along with our hand bag. He insisted that we stayed in his house since it was late for us to go back to Lagos, but we told him of the hotel rooms we had booked.

Uncle Yomi was with us in Palace; going and coming from lbadan for his shoot. As usual, he became a father figure for everyone; both the crew and other artistes.

l can recall the bond between him and Funlola Aofiyebi, who was playing her daughter. He was there to manage our challenges with us; he once slept on a foam in Ralph’ s place.

For the above reasons and many more, l got attached to him and his wife. I was always there to play the role of a good younger brother.

Advertisement

Some eight or nine years ago, he took ill as he suffered stroke about three times, but came out of it and still acted in couple of films and series. He was to return with us on Palace and we asked him to leave his hair unattended to for almost a year for his role, for which he did.

We were still waiting for our partner, Africa Independent Television (AIT), to kick start another season that would involve him. He had gotten the scripts for over six months, still waiting ooooh my God.

Only to receive a text message from Sola Sobowale, another very closed artiste like sister to uncle Yomi that he has passed on. She was able to see him at the hospital before he passed on.

I have been procrastinating to pay him a surprise visit for the past four weeks before the lockdown, but l never got to see my dear uncle Yomi, a friendly, humble, lovely, kindhearted, ever in joyous mood, always wanting to ensure his surroundings are bubbling and no one is in a bad mood.

When you engaged him on your set, he would take over the management of peace, tranquility and happy moment for all.

Advertisement

Uncle Yomi is gone like a flower plucked at its blossom.

Uncle Yomi, with tears streaming down from my eyes, trying to put this together since yesterday, …all the angels shall be waiting to receive you.

The good Lord will accept your soul and make you comfortable in the best zone of heaven.

You were a good great man, a quality thespian with class, taste candour sleep well my uncle.

Uncle Yomi sleep well!

Advertisement

l shall use the Ramadan to pray for you. It’s a period when prayers are answered by God. We shall see and March on to glory on the day of judgement.

Adieu Babatunde Baker of Palace!

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Mr Macaroni calls for Government action amid crisis in Enugu State

Published

on

Mr Macaroni, Enugu State crisis

Mr Macaroni condemns government inaction over the ongoing crisis in Enugu, where over 44 farm settlements have been overrun

 

Popular Nigerian content creator and rights activist, Mr Macaroni, has voiced his concerns over the ongoing crisis in Enugu State, where more than 44 farm settlements have reportedly been overtaken, displacing residents.

The affected communities, including Abor Ishala, Mgbuji, Agu-Amede, Eha-Agu, and Umuhu, have been devastated by escalating violence, forcing many to flee their homes in fear for their lives.

In a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Mr Macaroni expressed frustration over the perceived silence of both the federal and state governments in the face of this growing crisis in southern Nigeria. He criticised the lack of action and described it as a glaring injustice that required immediate attention.

Advertisement

“The evil happening in Enugu should be condemned by everyone! The government must act swiftly and show there is zero tolerance for this sort of barbarism!” he wrote, calling for urgent intervention to protect the lives of citizens.

The comedian and rights advocate further warned that continued inaction from the government could result in citizens taking matters into their own hands to defend their homes and properties. He cautioned that such actions would only escalate the violence, leading to further loss of innocent lives.

“When the government remains silent, people are forced to protect themselves, which often leads to more violence and the death of innocents. Injustice is injustice—no matter where it occurs, whether in the North, East, South, or West—we must always speak against it,” Mr Macaroni added.

His call for a stronger government response echoes growing concerns among Nigerians about the rising insecurity in many parts of the country. As tensions continue to rise in Enugu, citizens are increasingly calling for government accountability and action to ensure peace and safety for all.

With more communities under siege and no clear signs of relief, the need for a decisive and compassionate government response is more pressing than ever.

Advertisement

Continue Reading

News

Cynthia Morgan appeals to President Tinubu over fuel subsidy removal hardship

Published

on

Cynthia Morgan appeals Tinubu

Cynthia Morgan (Madrina) urges President Tinubu to roll back the full fuel subsidy removal due to the increasing hardship, inflation, and crime rates

 

Nigerian singer Cynthia Morgan, now known as Madrina, has made a heartfelt appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging the government to address the severe economic hardship facing Nigerians in the wake of the recent fuel subsidy removal.

In a candid video message shared on her TikTok page, Madrina expressed her frustration, revealing that while she initially supported the decision to remove the petrol subsidy, the current situation has become unbearable for many citizens.

“Are you guys feeling what I am feeling? I’m not even going to lie, I’m feeling it o!” she stated in the video. She went on to explain that despite the government’s reasoning behind removing the subsidy, the consequences are proving to be too much for Nigerians to bear.

Advertisement

Madrina pointed out the sheer scale of the financial strain, noting that the country had spent over $8 billion on fuel subsidies. She highlighted how this amount far exceeded Nigeria’s total annual revenue of around $20 billion for 2023/2024, raising questions about the sustainability of the subsidy removal.

“I was one of the persons who applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the removal of the fuel subsidy because you know what it is. But currently, I don’t think we have what it takes to live totally off subsidy removal on petroleum products,” she confessed.

According to the singer, Nigeria lacks the necessary structures to cushion the impact of the subsidy removal, leading to a sharp rise in inflation, as the price of petrol affects almost every other commodity.

The economic consequences, she said, have contributed to a weakening naira, higher import prices, and an increasing GDP per capita of just $860.

While acknowledging the long-standing issue of the petrol subsidy and the attempts by previous administrations, including that of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, to address it, Madrina stressed that the removal has not been implemented in a way that Nigeria can sustain. The country’s infrastructure and economic framework, she argued, are simply not prepared for such a drastic shift.

Advertisement

In her message, the singer passionately called for a compromise, asking the government to reconsider and at least roll back 50 percent of the subsidy removal, saying, “People are hungry.

Crime rates are increasing.” She emphasized that while it is understandable to reduce the subsidy, the government must also consider the current socio-economic reality.

Madrina concluded with a call to Nigerians, urging them to refrain from complaining or protesting aggressively. Instead, she suggested that citizens engage in a “begging challenge” to plead with the government for help and reconsideration.

“Let’s beg the government to help us, that they shouldn’t be angry. Maybe we have been irresponsible,” she said.

As the economic hardships continue to mount, Madrina’s plea for immediate government intervention has resonated with many Nigerians, who are grappling with the effects of rising fuel prices and inflation.

Advertisement

Continue Reading

News

Nollywood Actress, Arewa Bukky Amos-Bello, Offers Support to Queen Naomi

Published

on

Nollywood actress Arewa Bukky Amos-Bello has expressed her support for former Queen Naomi Silekunola, who is facing difficulties following a tragic stampede at a charity event she organized in Ibadan, resulting in the loss of young lives

A top Nollywood actress and movie producer, Arewa Bukky Amos-Bello, has joined numerous well-wishers who have expressed their support for former queen of Ife Kingdom, Naomi Silekunola, who is currently facing challenges following a tragic stampede at a charity event she organised in Ibadan, resulting in the loss of children’s lives.

The beautiful thespian, popularly called Ajitannawo, in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday, sent a message of encouragement, urging Queen Naomi to stay strong.

In her heartfelt message, Arewa Amos-Bello expressed sorrow over the incident and offered prayers for Queen Naomi’s courage and resilience in the face of the tragedy.

“Be strong and courageous; the Lord is with you. And He will never forsake you my Queen Silekunola. My heart goes out to you in this sorrowful time of yours. My prayer is with you always. God bless you in this difficult time,” Arewa Bukky wrote, while she offered her sincere condolences to families and parents of the victims.

Advertisement

Arewa Amos-Bello stated that she feels every bit of what Queen Naomi feels at the moment because she is also a philanthropist who understands that the former Ife Queen did what she did with good intentions.

She added, “I know she meant well because I’m also into charity. The Ibadan event was not her first nor was it the second. We can only pray that God help her and console the victims.”

“I want to assure her of my valid support; she is not alone. Her struggles are valid and real, and in acknowledging this, she finds our solidarity. When things like this happen, we may feel ashamed and find it hard to cope, yet even in such a dark time as this, we share our burdens, support one another, and find strength in our unity. She must not give up on her goal and she is encouraged to continue her philanthropic endeavours.”

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending