Motunrayo ‘Iwalewa’ Charles, the daughter of the late Nollywood actor Abdulsalam Sanyaolu, known as Charles Olumo or Agbako, has shared her poignant reflections on her father’s final moments. Agbako passed away on October 31 at the age of 101 at his home in Oniboku, Ado-Odo-Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, and was laid to rest the same day according to Islamic funeral customs.
In an interview with Punch, Motunrayo clarified that her father took his last breath in her presence at home, contradicting earlier reports suggesting he had died on a film set. Her heartfelt account underscores the deep bond they shared, even in his final moments.
She said, “He died in my arms. After I bathed him, I put him on a chair and brushed his teeth. I then gave him water to rinse his mouth and he went quiet. I took him to the bed, gave him the tea I prepared but it spilt as I was trying to feed him. I had never experienced anything like that (a person’s death) before. Then, I called for help. People are saying he died on set, but he died on his bed in my arms.”
Motunrayo also said that she had to abandon her acting career to care for her father in his old age, pleading with the government to do whatever it deems fit for the family.
She added, “The government should do whatever it deems fit for the family. But, they should understand that the person who took care of the old man, just like I did, won’t be able to do any other thing. I am also an actor but I did not go to any location for four years, because I had to take care of him. So, the family should be taken care of, and the person who cared for baba should also be well treated.”