Baba Sala did his best to make Nigeria better — Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday paid glowing tributes to late actor, Chief Moses Olaiya Adejumo, popularly known as Baba Sala, describing him as a most lifeenhanc¬ing, brilliant and creat¬ive comedian.

Baba Sala, 82, died on Sunday at Ilesa, Osun State after a brief illness.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo said Baba Sala did his best to make Nigeria a better place.

“I received the news of the demise of my friend and my brother, Chief Moses Adejumo, popularly called Baba Sala, with shock and yet with a lot of reflection and admiration for someone I knew did his best to make our country, Nigeria, and indeed our world a better place.

“While I have accepted his transition as a course we all must take, I wish and pray that his immediate family, all the people close to him in one way or the other will have the fortitude to bear this loss. My heart and that of my family remain with them,” Obasanjo said.

The former leader said he followed Baba Sala’s career with keen interest over the years, as a foremost playwright, film-maker, musician and comedian.

While recalling some of the plays the late actor produced, Obasanjo further described Baba Sala as most prolific dramatist who had served Nigeria selflessly in the development of theatre and performing arts.

He said Nigeria would be the better for it “if only the present generation would emulate the enviable professional qualities of the late Chief Adejumo.”

“While we would be thankful to the Almighty God that he lived to a moderately ripe old age, the family, no doubt, would be quite naturally in deep grief over the earthly exit of its adorable patriarch. But his death is also a huge loss to the nation and, therefore, by this message, I am not only joining thousands of Nigerians to mourn but also paying deserving tribute to this outstanding Nigerian and quintessential man. May his gentle soul find eternal repose,” he said.