Chief Peter FatomilolaListen (born 16 January 1946) is a Nigerian dramatist, film actor, poet, ifa priest and prolific playwright.[1]

Peter Fatomilola
Born (1946-01-16) 16 January 1946 (age 78)
Ifisin-Ekiti, Southern Region, British Nigeria (now in Ekiti State, Nigeria)
NationalityNigerian
Other namesPapa Ajasco
CitizenshipNigeria
Alma materObafemi Awolowo University
Occupation(s)
Playwright
Poet
Nollywood actor
Known forSango
Parents
  • Abraham Ojo Fatomilola (father)
  • Elizabeth Fatomilola (mother)

Early life

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Fatomilola was born on 16 January 1946 in the town of Ifisin-Ekiti in Ido-Osi Local Government area of Ekiti State, Nigeria, to Chief Abraham Ojo Fatomilola and Mrs. Elizabeth Fatomilola. He is a son of Chief Ifa Priest, known as the Oluwo (Olu-awo, meaning Lord of the oracle), which was believed to have influenced his herbalist role in Nigerian film.[2] His mother was from the town of Isare-Oge in Kwara State. In 1967, he joined the Olokun Theatre group under the tutelage of the late Professor Ola Rotimi, a renowned dramatist and prolific playwright at the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University.[3] He is also a member of the academic staff of Obafemi Awolowo University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts in 1978.[4] He was the first Papa Ajasco, a lead role in a comedy film produced by Wale Adenuga.[5] He had featured in several notable Nigerian films such as Sango, an epic African film produced by Obafemi Lasode and scripted by Wale Ogunyemi in 1997.[6] He has acted the role of the priest in several Yoruba films.

Filmography

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  • Papa Ajasco
  • Orisa Aiye (2024) as Oluwo
  • Keji (2023) as Baba Falola
  • Igbale (2023) as Baba Amoye
  • Strangers (2022) as Grandpa
  • Love Castle (2021) as Eleemo
  • Rise of the Saints (2020) as Orula
  • Gold Statue (2019) as Grandpa Esho
  • King Invincible (2017) Adeyeri
  • Ebute (2010) as Awogbemi
  • Irapada (2006) as Soothsayer
  • Afonja (2002) as Afonja
  • Brass Bells (1999) as Amawomaro

Personal life

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He is married with several wives, including one who sells local concoctions and herbs (Iya Fat) at a market at the Obafemi Awolowo University. He has 11 children. In addition, he has several chieftaincy titles around Yorubaland, including Oluwo (Chief Ifa Priest) in his hometown of Ifisin-Ekiti and Amuludun in Ile-Ife.

References

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  1. ^ "Fatomilola's first film is ready, but…". The Punch - Nigeria's Most Widely Read Newspaper. Archived from the original on 20 January 2015. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  2. ^ BOLDWIN ANUGWARA. "Peter Fatomilola: Versatile, veteran Yoruba actor". Newswatch Times. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  3. ^ Our Correspondent. "New Telegraph – Peter FaTomilola: I have always wanted to be a herbalist". newtelegraphonline.com. Archived from the original on 20 January 2015. Retrieved 20 January 2015. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  4. ^ "Fayemi's wife lifts Fatomilola's spirit …donates N200,000 to his film project". The Punch - Nigeria's Most Widely Read Newspaper. Archived from the original on 29 February 2012. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  5. ^ "I was the first Papa Ajasco —Peter Fatomilola". tribune.com.ng. Archived from the original on 20 January 2015. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  6. ^ "Africultures - Fiche film : Sango". africultures.com. Retrieved 20 January 2015.