Olabiyi, a respected figure in the Yoruba film industry, passed away in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday after battling an illness that required him to be admitted to the University College Hospital (UCH). It is said that in his final days he was unable to speak or move and that his health had deteriorated significantly.
The actor's death was confirmed by leaders of the Theater and Cinema Arts Professionals Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), where he held the position of National Secretary.
An aide to the Oyo State Governor of TAMPAN, Bose Akinola, publicly announced his demise, stating: “I have a directive from the TAMPAN Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Yeye Bose Akinola, to announce the death of our National Secretary General of TAMPAN, Chief Alhaji Musadshir. Ayobami Olabiyi 'Bobo B.' May God give his family and all TAMPAN members worldwide the strength to bear the loss. Insha Allah, Amen.”
Olabiyi was also reportedly scheduled to appear on the set of a movie in Oyo in September, but his deteriorating health and subsequent hospitalization prevented him from attending.
Career Actor Ayobami Olabiyi
Olabiyi served as former Governor of TAMPAN in Oyo State. He transitioned to acting after 16 years as a teacher and retired 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 television series. He made his mark with performances in Adarugudu (2020), where he played a general, and Eewa (2022), in which he played Oba Adewunmi. One of his previous notable roles was in Asife (2016) as Alfa, and he also appeared as Baba Dolapo in the popular film Alakada (2009).
His acting repertoire includes previous roles such as Dr. Lanipekun in Aye Jobele (2004) and Policeman 2 in Ago Kan Oru (2003).
Article page with financial support promotion pays tribute to actor Olabiyi in Eni Ayanfe
Following his death, many colleagues and friends have shared heartfelt tributes to Olabiyi.
Abidemi Temitayo, in a Facebook post, recalled a fond memory from a film set.
He recounted: “I vividly remember the night I took that second slide with you after shooting. We were both on set when the director was giving us our lines; Say Y was the director at the time and he asked us to do a camera rehearsal. I told him it wasn't necessary and the director asked, 'Will you do it?' Bobo B then responded: 'Bidemi is sure of herself; Now she is no longer a child actress. We all laughed and shot the movie without needing a second take. Then we took a photo together, just the three of us, and then with the team before we left. But today, that same jovial man no longer exists. It is very shocking to hear about your death, Alhaji Mudashir Ayobami Olabiyi. This is very sad. Rest well, Bobo B. You will surely be missed by the industry, even the world at large.”
Another emotional tribute came from Olori Oyikansola, who wrote on Facebook: “Death, death, death. The day of death is the day of rest. Ayobami Olabiyi, your death hurts me deeply, but the illness does not make a sound, because it takes away my day. Son of Chief Agberi, son of Ayoro, son of Asewo Mojulekoko.”
Sangokunle Olasunkanmi also expressed his grief and posted: “It is painful to announce the passing away of my brother, Chief Alhaji, Otunba Mudashiru Ayobami Olabiyi (aka Sondoko), Otunba of Iware, Akinyele LG. Rest in peace, Bobo B.”
Sanni Ismail added: “May God give his family and all TAMPAN members around the world the strength to bear this loss.” Another fan of hers, Aminat Romoeke, shared her surprise at the news and said: “This news surprises me… This is very sad news!”
Olabiyi's passing adds to Nollywood's growing list of losses in 2024, which includes notable figures such as John Okafor, Amechi Muonagor, Adejumoke Aderounmu, Junior Pope Odonwodo and Quadri Oyebamiji.