- Peju Ogunmola’s tragic loss trended on social media as Nollywood stars mourned with the veteran actress and her family
- The thespian’s only son’s death came more than a decade after she lost her brother, a popular filmmaker and actor, Yomi Ogunmola
- TheTalk.NG, in this article, shared facts about the veteran actress who comes from a family with deep roots in the Nigerian movie industry
Like the Afolayans, Olaiyas, and the Adebayos, another popular family name in the Yoruba movie industry is the Ogunmolas, with Peju Ogunmola being one of its shining stars.
Peju Ogunmola is in the ranks of veteran actresses like Ayo Mogaji, Madam Saje, Lola Idije, among others, known for playing the roles of mothers in Yoruba movies.
Peju Ogunmola is the wife of comic actor Papi Luwe.
Credit: pejuogunmolaSource: Instagram
She has acted in numerous movies, including Apaadi, Omo Ghetto: The Saga, King of Thieves, Beast of Two Worlds, and House of Ga’a.
Recently, the veteran actress was in the news following the sudden death of her only child, Ayomikun.
The devastating news left fans, colleagues, and sympathisers in shock, as the entertainment industry rallied around her and her family.
The painful incident has left many speechless on social media as many mourn the actress’s son.
TheTalk.NG, in this article, shared what is known about Peju Ogunmola.
1. Peju Ogunmola’s father was a brilliant actor
Peju Ogunmola’s father, Elijah Kolawole Ogunmola (born November 11, 1925, and died in 1973), was a dramatist, actor, mime, director, and playwright.
He was regarded as one of the most brilliant actors in Africa in the 1950s and ’60s.
Kolawole developed Yoruba culture, especially folk opera (drama combining Christian themes with traditional Yoruba folklore, music, and dancing, along with urban music) into a serious theatre form through his work with the Ogunmola Travelling Theatre.
He produced an early stage musical version of Amos Tutuola’s The Palm Wine Drinkard, performed at the First Pan-African Cultural Congress in Algiers in 1969.
Peju Ogunmola’s father produced Ife Owo in 1965, a satire on marriage and wealth.
Kola, who passed away at in his late 40s was known for using mime, songs and drums to convey his message.
He produced the dramatic version of Tutuola’s The Palmwine Drinker.
A post Peju Ogunmola shared celebrating her late father is below:
2. Peju Ogunmola’s brother was a leading director
Until his death in 2003, Yomi Ogunmola, who was Peju’s brother, was considered one of the top Yoruba directors.
He directed hit movies such as Koto Aye, Ige Adubi, Oluweri Magbojo, Eran Iya Osogbo, 100 Years, among others.
Yomi starred in the film Ayo ni Mofe by Mainframe Productions, Opomulero led by Tunde Kelani.
Peju Ogunmola’s social media post about her late brother is below:
3, Peju Ogunmola’s husband is Papi Luwe
Peju Ogunmola is the second wife of Nigerian comic actor, playwright, film director, and producer Sunday Omobolanle, aka Papi Luwe.
Papi Luwe, who had three children with his first wife, lost her to death in 2006. The actor also had a son with Peju Ogunmola, Ayomikun Omobolanle, who has now passed away.
The actor gained recognition for his contributions to the Nigerian film industry when he was bestowed with a National award, MON, by former president Olusegun Obasanjo.
Papi Luwe has acted in movies like Lanleyin, Konkonbilo, Survival of Jelili, and Anikulapo.
Peju Ogunmola celebrated her husband Papi Luwe on his birthday
4. Peju Ogunmola’s stepson is Sunkanmi Omobolanle
Some netizens used to assume Peju Ogunmola was the mother of actor Sunkanmi Omobolanle due to their closeness.
Sunkanmi, who is also a director, is one of the three children Papi Luwe had with his first wife.
As Nollywood continues to mourn Peju Ogunmola’s son’s death, we at TheTalk.NG also wish her strength to bear the loss.
Peju Ogunmola’s stepson Sunkanmi Omobolanle:
Peju Ogumola’s last birthday message to son
Meanwhile, TheTalk.NG reported that Nollywood veteran actress Peju Ogunmola’s birthday message to her late son, Ayomikun Omobolanle, evoked emotions on social media after his death.
This came as her fans and concerned netizens flooded her official Instagram page to react to her son’s sudden death.
In a 2024 post, Peju Ogunmola shared a birthday message to her late son, expressing deep love for him with photos and a short clip of their moments together.
The actress’ late son was to clock a new age in October.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at TheTalk.NG.
Source: TheTalk.NG
