Babatunde Omidina Biography: Age, Wife, Children & Networth

Babatunde Omidina – N150 Million

Early Life

Babatunde Omidina, popularly called Baba Suwe, was born on August 22, 1958, on Inabere Street, Lagos Island in Lagos State. He was from Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State. He grew up in Lagos, where he spent his early years playing in the streets and watching people perform in small local theatres.

He came from a big family, because his father had multiple wives. Young Babatunde attended Jamaitul Islamia Primary School in Lagos for his primary education, and later went to Children Boarding School in Osogbo, Osun State. After that, he transferred to Adekanbi Commercial High School in Mile 12, Lagos, but finally completed his West African School Certificate at Ifeoluwa Grammar School in Osogbo.

Even before finishing school, Babatunde loved making people laugh. He joined a theatre group in Osogbo and performed plays with friends. He was creative, fun, and he dreamed of entertaining people across Nigeria.

Educational Background

Babatunde Omidina’s education started in Lagos and Osogbo, as mentioned. He attended:

• Jamaitul Islamia Primary School, Lagos
• Children Boarding School, Osogbo
• Adekanbi Commercial High School, Mile 12, Lagos
• Ifeoluwa Grammar School, Osogbo – where he received his West African School Certificate.

Although he did not attend university, his early love for acting grew from participation in school plays and community theatre. This practical training in performance helped launch his long career in comedy and film.

Career

Early Acting and Theatre

Baba Suwe began acting around 1971 in school and local theatre productions. He was part of Osumare Theatre Group, which performed at Lagos Television (NTA Channel 7) and the National Theatre. His early stage experience included a popular play titled “Baoku”. These performances helped him gain confidence and visibility.

Breakthrough in Film

His breakthrough came in the 1990s after he acted in a Yoruba movie called Omolasan, produced at Obalende. But he became truly famous in 1997 when he starred in Iru Esin, produced by Olaiya Igwe. That film made him a household name in the Yoruba film industry.

Baba Suwe was known for his funny way of speaking, playing confused servants or security guards, and making people laugh with his expressions and timing. He often wore a dark sweater underneath his clothes and used heavy face makeup with blackened cheeks—these became his trademark style on screen.

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Acting and Production Work

Over a career stretching more than five decades, Baba Suwe featured in many Yoruba and English-language movies. Some of his well-known titles include:

• Ba O Ku
• Baba Londoner
• Oju Oloju
• Aso Ibora
• Ko Tan Si Be
• Obelomo
• Elebolo
• Larinloodu
• N150 Million
• 36 Kiniun
• Kowope.

He also produced and directed films like Alfa Nla, Ayedun, Baba Jaiye Jaiye, Eku Meji, Ojo Ale, Agbefo, and Oju Oloju, often working with fellow actors like Funke Akindele and Femi Adebayo.

Baba Suwe became one of the most beloved Yoruba comic actors, praised by colleagues such as Mr Latin and others, and he remained active until later years of his life.

Personal Life

Babatunde Omidina married Omoladun Omidina (also called Omoladun Kenkelewu), a fellow actress and comedienne, in 1995. They acted together in many movies, often playing husband and wife roles. Sadly, his wife passed away in September 2009.

They had several children together, including a son and daughter. At the time of his death, he had grandchildren and an elderly mother. He was known to be kind, generous, and caring to his family and to young actors whom he mentored.

Controversies

In 2011, Baba Suwe was arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos. He was accused of cocaine trafficking based on scans that suggested drug ingestion. He was detained for 24 days, suffering in custody under harsh conditions—but ultimately no drugs were found in his body. He sued for wrongful arrest and defamation. A High Court awarded him ₦25 million in damages and a public apology, but the Court of Appeal later overturned the award due to lack of evidence. He also claimed that the NDLEA treatment damaged his health.

There was also a rumor in 2009 that he killed his wife, but that allegation was false and untrue. It appears to be a case of mistaken identity or confusion with someone else. He never faced any legal charges for that claim.

Many sources note that despite these problems, he remained professional, honest, and continued to inspire younger comedians.

Social Media Presence

Baba Suwe retired before social media became popular. He did not have official online profiles. However, after his passing, fans and family shared tribute messages and old clips on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Even though he was not active online, his works and interviews still circulate widely. Fans upload his old films and comedy scenes, keeping his memory alive. Many people say he inspired a generation of Yoruba comedians and actors through his style, humility, and generosity.

Net Worth

The exact net worth of Babatunde Omidina was never made public. However, he was seen as one of the notable and well-paid comic actors in the Yoruba movie industry.

Media estimates suggest his earning potential came from acting, film production, and stage performances. One source estimated his net worth around US $500,000 (about ₦200 million at then exchange rates). He lived modestly but had a legacy in Nollywood as one of the richest and most respected comic actors of his era.

He also received goodwill support from colleagues and fans during his illness, including financial help from associations like TAMPAN and individual donors, which highlights how beloved he was in the industry.

Babatunde Omidina—Baba Suwe—was a comedian whose talent, generosity, and laughter left a mark on millions. His legacy in Nigerian comedy and Yoruba film will continue to inspire future entertainers.