Nollywood actor and National Secretary of the Theater Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Mudashiru Ayobami Olabiyi, popularly known as Bobo B, has passed on.
The deceased actor was said to have died after being diagnosed with a non-terminal disease by medical experts in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
Olabiyi was pronounced dead by medical experts on Wednesday, 16th October, 2024, after all efforts to proffer solutions to his ailment proved abortive.
The President of TAMPAN, Bolaji Amusan, popularly called Mr. Latin, who confirmed his death described it as a tremendous loss to the Nollywood and creative industry.
Mr Amusan noted that the actor’s leadership style, dedication to the entertainment industry as well as TAMPAN would be sorely missed.
He said; “It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of our esteemed National Secretary, Alhaji Mudashiru Olabiyi who departed from us today 16th of October, 2024.”
The passing of Olabiyi adds to the growing list of Nollywood losses in just 2024, which includes notable figures such as John Okafor, Amechi Muonagor, Adejumoke Aderounmu, Junior Pope Odonwodo, and Quadri Oyebamiji.
Olabiyi was also reportedly scheduled to appear on a movie set in Oyo in September, but his declining health and subsequent hospitalisation prevented him from attending. In his final days, he was said to have been unable to speak or move, and his health had significantly deteriorated.
An aide to TAMPAN's Oyo State Governor, Bose Akinola, publicly announced his passing, stating;
“I have a directive from the Oyo State TAMPAN Governor, Her Excellency Yeye Bose Akinola, to announce the death of our TAMPAN National General Secretary, Chief Alhaji Musadshir Ayobami Olabiyi 'Bobo B.' May God give his family and the entire TAMPAN members globally the fortitude to bear the loss. Insha Allah, Amen."
Olabiyi served as a former Governor of TAMPAN in Oyo State. He transitioned into acting after 16 years as a teacher, retiring in 1993. His breakthrough role came in the 1996 film Olaniyanu, which propelled him into the spotlight.
The actor's career was marked by a variety of roles in both films and TV series. He made his mark with performances in Adarugudu (2020), where he played a general, and Eewa (2022), in which he portrayed Oba Adewunmi. One of his earlier notable roles was in Asife (2016) as Alfa, and he also appeared as Baba Dolapo in the popular film Alakada (2009).
