Creativity, Longevity and Complicated Paternity: The Story of Charles Olumo Agbako
By Ozumi Abdul
On Thursday, October 31, 2024, Nigeria lost a cinematic legend, Alhaji Abdulsalam Sanyaolu, affectionately known as Charles Olumo Agbako.
Born on July 31, 1923, during a period of profound cultural and social upheaval, Agbako’s life and career became a testament to resilience, talent, and the rich tapestry of Yoruba cinema.
Agbako’s journey into the performing arts began in the humble setting of a church drama at The Apostolic Church in Mushin, Lagos. While still a schoolboy, he captivated audiences with his natural flair for acting.
Following his education, he initially trained as an auto mechanic, but it was the stage that called him. The praise he garnered after his debut performance led to invitations from various churches, solidifying his path in the dramatic arts.
It was during this burgeoning career that he chose the name “Agbako,” a nickname suggested by a director seeking something memorable. Little did he know that this name would become synonymous with his remarkable versatility, allowing him to seamlessly oscillate between comedic and villainous roles.
This skill not only endeared him to audiences but also solidified his status as a cornerstone of Yoruba cinema.
Despite his parents’ wishes for him to continue his mechanic training, Agbako was unwavering in his pursuit of fame over financial gain. He often recounted an incident where he was summoned home under the pretense of his father’s death, only to find his father alive.
The four days he spent with his father were filled with an eerie atmosphere, where he felt charms were used to deter him from acting. Yet, Agbako’s determination prevailed; he escaped back to the world of theatre, where he truly belonged.
His life, however, was not without controversy. A prominent narrative that followed Agbako was the alleged paternity of the popular Fuji musician, Alhaji Wasiu Ajibola, famously known as Pasuma Wonder, “Oganla Fuji”, “Arabambi 2”, “Omo yawo Anabi.”
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Speculation surrounding this relationship was heightened by Agbako’s closeness to Alhaja Khadija Kuburat, Pasuma’s mother. In a candid radio interview, Agbako acknowledged that he had been deeply involved with her, stating, “I cannot say whether I am his father or not,” leaving the matter shrouded in ambiguity and intrigue.
Another factor that sought to authenticate his Agbako paternity was that Pasuma never in his songs talk about his father or celebrate him the way he praised his mother in nearly all his songs. This helped to reinforce the belief that his paternity is complicated. Though, he denied Agbako openly for years but failed to properly clear the air on who his real father was.
But there are indications that Pasuma later secretly made peace with Agbako and accepted the reality of his paternity when his mother died or just before she passed some months ago. Pasuma was actually the first to announce Agbako’s passing on social media, a poignant reminder of their complicated relationship and the intricate threads woven through their lives.
Agbako’s acting prowess is no doubt a reflection of the all-round entertainment talent of Pasuma who is undoubtedly the greatest Fuji music crooner of his own generation and also a great thespian who regularly dazzled Yoruba movie watchers on screen.
Over the years, Agbako became a cultural symbol, embodying the evolution of Nigerian cinema and the Yoruba tradition.
His influence reached far beyond the screen; he mentored younger actors, ensuring that the roots of Yoruba storytelling were preserved and passed on from generations to generations.
His unique ability to bridge generational gaps made him a beloved figure in the entertainment community. His unusual longevity and staying power made it easy for him to accomplish this. This is someone whose contemporaries died decades ago but who remained alive and strong to celebrate his centenary birthday before eventually giving up at the age of 101.
We remember a man whose legacy extends far beyond his roles in film. He was a trailblazer, a mentor, and an embodiment of Yoruba culture. His contributions to the arts will be celebrated for generations to come, and his memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those who loved and admired him.
In a world that often seeks to erase the past, Agbako’s story serves as a reminder of the power of resilience and the indomitable spirit of creativity.
