Eternal scene: Nollywood legend Agbako bows out at 101

Correspondent Bankole Taiwo writes on the life and times of Nollywood legendary actor, Abdulsalam Sanyaolu, popularly known as Agbako, who died on Thursday in Ogun State

Tributes have continued to pour in as veteran Nollywood actor, Abdulsalam Sanyaolu, popularly known as Charles Olumo and Agbako, was buried on Thursday at his Oniboku residence, Atan-Ota in the Ado-Odo-Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State. He had died earlier in the day at the age of 101.

Agbako’s demise has been described by some as the end of another glorious era in the Nigerian film industry, considering his contributions to the sector for over 70 years.

Taking to social media, the Chairman of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria, Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, had announced Agbako’s death in a statement on Instagram. He wrote, “#tampanglobal announces the passing of Pa Charles Olumo Sanyaolu, fondly known as Agbako.

“Details of the burial arrangements will be shared at a later time. Good night father, 25/02/1923 to 31/10/2024.”

On his part, actor Jide Kosoko, also wrote on social media, “Good night ooo, Baba Charles, aka Agbako, 101 years…ba wasa ba. R I P.”

Actor, Kunle Afod, said, “Good night, Pa Charles Olumo (Baba Agbako), the oldest actor. 101 years, Sun re ooo, O dabo, O di oju ala.”

Popular actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, wrote, “Awwwwwwww may his soul rest in peace. Wow. Oluwa tobi loba.”

A prominent filmmaker and movie marketer, Kazim Adeoti, wrote, “May his soul rest in peace. Orun ‘re o Baba.”

Actress, Mercy Aigbe, added, “May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

Biodun Okeowo, popularly known as Omo Butty, wrote, “Rest well sir. No matter how old our loved ones are, we never want to see them go!”

Meanwhile, in a June 2024 interview with Saturday PUNCH, which was arguably his last with a newspaper, Agbako had recalled how he started his career at the age of eight when he was still in primary school.

He said, “I started way back in my village – Egba Owode – my hometown in the Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State. I actually started while I was in primary school. I was about seven years old then. After I completed my primary education, I continued acting and also trained as an automobile technician and mechanic.”

Sanyaolu stated that even at 101, given his passion and love for the world of make-believe, he still went to movie locations if he was invited.

He said, “I still go to film locations to act. They are always surprised that I am still full of action. It is in the blood, and it is God’s gift to me. I was on a film set in April. Doyin Amodu is the one producing the movie, so he invited me to be part of the production, and I am grateful to him and others, who out of courtesy, respect and love for me give me such an honour.”

Sanyaolu also stressed that living to be 101 years old was nothing short of miracle in Nigeria, where decent living was beyond the reach of the common man.

He said, “How could I have ever thought I would be this old or celebrate 101 years on earth? I never thought of it.

“There are a lot of troubles in this world. It is a life of uncertainties, so, how can someone think he could survive all the challenges in Nigeria, and live to be 101 years old and still counting? I have just received mercy from God. It is God that is doing wonders in my life. I have not done anything spectacular.”

Agbako also debunked the notion that his longevity was a result of charms which he usually brandished in movies.

He said, “There is nothing like that. I don’t have any charms, neither have I taken any concoction so that I can grow old. All those thoughts are just fantasies; they don’t exist. It has been God all the way. Some people used to think I would be full of charms, because of the way I acted in films. But, all that was just stage action to thrill the audience. My trust is only in God Almighty.”

The veteran actor, however, expressed displeasure that the younger generation was lowering the standards of the industry, and sacrificing quality for quantity.

He said, “These days, there seems to be a rush by everyone to produce their own movies without having what it takes to make that happen, such as money and a good storyline.

“Movie production requires money, and that usually affects the quality of the movies produced these days, though there are many good ones too.”

He maintained though he often acted as a villain and thug with charms, it did not depict his real life personality, adding, “It was just acting, and nothing more. I was only interpreting the roles assigned to me. I don’t have charms, and I am not a wicked person.”

Revealing the story behind his stage name, ‘Agbako’, Sanyaolu said, “It is a name I gave myself when we went to shoot a film titled, ‘Anikura’ in Iwo town (then in Oyo State, but now in Osun State). The owner of the film gave it another title, but I felt it was not good enough, so I suggested ‘Anikura’.

“He accepted, and I was given the role of ‘Anikura’ in the movie. That was when I started addressing myself as Agbako. I used to say, “Emi Agbako Anikura (Me, Agbako Anikura). It was a way to build fear around the character, because Anikura was a very dangerous and mean person.”

Contrary to what some people think, the thespian insisted that the ‘Agbako’ name which connotes evil had brought him fame rather than harm.

“It is a name that has travelled around the world,” he added.

Sanyaolu also said that he would be exiting the world as a fulfilled man. “Although some people think I should have built a mansion, but I am okay with this bungalow that God has provided for me. I am happy and contented with it.”

The actor however refused to speak on the relationship between him and the late mum of popular fuji singer, Pasuma.

“Let’s leave that in the past,” affirming that the relationship between him and Pasuma was very cordial and that he had been a worthy child.

Asked to clarify if he was born a Christian or Muslim judging from his name, ‘Charles’, Agbako said, “While we were growing up, one could choose to be a Christian or Muslim. My father was a Muslim, and I was given the name, Abdusalam Sanyaolu.

“But, in the course of moving around, especially going to churches to act, I developed an interest in Christianity. More so, my father’s younger brother was a Christian, and I loved the way he was taking care of us.

“The Christians also used to have programmes, such as harvest, which attracted little children. So, we were always at one church or the other to act. I was later baptised, and I picked ‘Charles’ as my baptismal name. But, as we speak now, I am a Muslim, and I have gone on pilgrimage to Mecca. But, I don’t have anything against Christians.”

Reminiscing about an incident that could have cut his life short in the course of his career, the movie legend said, “Yes, something happened many years ago when I went to Igbara-Odo in the then Ondo State for a stage performance. I had actually been warned about the hills along the road to the town.

“As our vehicle was ascending one of the hills, it could no longer move, and it began to go backwards. Everyone in the vehicle, including my children, thought that the end had come. I had already concluded that we would find ourselves in the deep ditch, but miraculously, the vehicle was stopped by a tree trunk.

“After leaving the scene, the vehicle’s brake had some issues, and we asked a mechanic to fix it. We didn’t know that he did not do a thorough job. While going to another town from Igbara-Odo, the brake failed, and the vehicle ended up in a sugarcane plantation. It was really shocking and scary.”

Speaking about his relationship with women in the course of his career, Agbako said, “I had my fair share too, but I was never reckless with it. I was not the type of entertainer that wanted every woman for himself alone. I behaved decently.”

On if he could still get intimate with a woman in his old age, he jokingly stated that if any young girl was brought to him, he would only rub her back because he had actually had his fill of things like that, adding that “there is time for everything”.

Pa Sanyaolu equally berated the government for doing little or nothing to support the growing entertainment industry.

He said, “The support is not even there, talk more of being enough. I have never got any such support, and I don’t know anyone who has enjoyed it as well.

“The news our children who are abroad give us about how governments support entertainers over there is really making us sad. The government should be able to support us, given our roles in nation-building.

“We serve as the conscience of society by pointing out the ills, as well as their consequences, and the way out. We bring joy to many homes and contribute to the growth of the economy. We deserve all the support we can get.”

The late actor also showered praises on the younger generation for not forgetting some of the pathfinders in the film industry in their old age.

He said, “Things are changing now, and God has begun to use these young artistes to make a lot of difference in the lives of people like me. People like Kunle Afod, Foluke Daramola-Salako, Doyin Amodu, Fatimo Amodu, Mama Rainbow, and Ebenezer Obey (have been doing well).

“Owolabi – a son to my younger sister – also does a lot for me. I pray that the Almighty God will continually bless them, and take care of them in their old age too. Primate Ayodele who promised to pay me salary for life when I marked my 100th birthday too has been very faithful. May God bless them all.”

On whether he had got anything substantial from the Ogun State government, where he hailed from, Agbako said, “I have received nothing from the state government, though the former governor, Ibikunle Amosun, once gave me money, which I used to buy the flat screen television that is currently in my living room.

“Since then, I have not received anything from the government. This is however not good enough, considering our contributions to national development. We deserve all the support that the government can give us.”

Asked about his relationship with the iconic juju musician, Ebenezer Obey, Agbako said, “We are like siblings. We are both from Egbaland (Abeokuta). I had known him since he was with the late Fatai Rolling Dollars, so it’s been a very long relationship. I pray God will continually bless him for his love and support for me over the years.”

Speaking on his daily routine at 101, Sanyaolu said, “Once I wake up at about 6am, I say my prayers and go to the living room to do some exercise. I could also walk around for some time.

“I try throwing punches too to exercise my arms. I take deep breaths as well. I drink a lot of water too because it is good for the body. I would then go back to relax in my room and wait for my breakfast.

“After eating, I would rest for a while, go to the sitting room to relax, and receive whoever comes to visit me”.

The veteran actor went on to urge the government to alleviate the suffering of the masses.

“They should take care of the masses. People are suffering, and the government must help to make life more comfortable for all,” he counselled.

Agbako, who was born on Feburary 19, 1923, was a beloved figure in the Yoruba film industry, known for his portrayal of characters such as chiefs, warriors and villains.

He started his career acting in stage plays before seamlessly transitioning to film as the industry evolved, becoming a key figure in Nollywood’s early days.

With memorable roles in classics such as ‘Ogbori Elemosho’ and ‘Atorunmo’, Agbako’s performances captivated audiences for decades and earned him a place as a Yoruba film legend.

He will surely be missed.