The entertainment industry is buzzing with excitement as legendary Nollywood actor Sunday Omobolanle, affectionately known as Pa Aluwe, marks his 70th birthday today, October 10, 2024. The milestone celebration has sparked an outpouring of heartfelt tributes from fellow actors, family members, and fans across the nation.
As the sun rose over Lagos this morning, social media platforms were already ablaze with birthday wishes for the veteran comedian. Pa Aluwe, whose career spans several decades, has become a household name in Nigerian entertainment, known for his impeccable comic timing and memorable performances.
“Walking into Pa Aluwe’s home today, you can feel the energy of celebration in the air,” reports our on-site correspondent. The walls are adorned with photos chronicling his illustrious career, from his early days in theater to his recent Nollywood blockbusters.
Leading the tributes was Pa Aluwe’s son, Sunkanmi Omobolanle, who took to Instagram at the stroke of midnight to share a heartwarming message. Posting a recent photo of his father, resplendent in traditional Yoruba attire, Sunkanmi wrote:
Happy 70th birthday to my very own pappy. Ki e pe fun mi ni ase Edumare. Love you pappy @pappyluwe.”
The post, which has garnered over 50,000 likes in just a few hours, showcases the strong bond between father and son. Our team spoke with Sunkanmi at the family’s residence this morning.
“Growing up with Pa Aluwe as a father was like living in a constant comedy show,” Sunkanmi shared, his eyes twinkling with admiration. But beyond the laughter, he taught us the value of hard work and humility. Today, we’re not just celebrating an actor; we’re celebrating a father, a mentor, and a national treasure.”
Nollywood Stars Unite in Celebration The Nigerian film industry has come together in an unprecedented show of respect and admiration for Pa Aluwe. Veteran actors and rising stars alike have taken to social media to express their well-wishes.
Yemi Solade, a long-time colleague of Pa Aluwe, posted an emotional tribute, “CHIEF SUNDAY OMOBOLANLE – (M.O.N) globally known and called ‘PAPPY LUWẸ̀’ / ALÚWẸ̀, one of Africa’s Most Talented Actors and comedians… An Evergreen Legend is 70! You deserve all the happiness and joy! You’ve won many people’s hearts in these 70 years! Now, it’s time for you to cherish the best wishes received from loved ones! HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY”
Adebayo Salami, another industry stalwart, welcomed Pa Aluwe to the “league of septuagenarians” in a touching post:
“Happy birthday to a fantastic living legend @pappyluwe. Welcome to the league of septuagenarians. I celebrate you my brother.”
Pa Aluwe’s influence on Nigerian cinema cannot be overstated. Film critic Oluwaseun Adebayo, speaking to us from the Nigerian Film Corporation office in Jos, emphasized the actor’s lasting legacy:
“Pa Aluwe didn’t just make us laugh; he held a mirror to our society. His characters, often exaggerated yet deeply relatable, helped shape the identity of Nollywood comedy. As he turns 70, we’re not just celebrating a birthday; we’re honoring a cultural icon who has contributed immensely to the global recognition of Nigerian cinema.”
The celebrations are not confined to the entertainment industry. Reports indicate that fans across Nigeria are organizing viewing parties of Pa Aluwe’s most iconic films. Local cinemas in Lagos, Ibadan, and Abuja have announced special screenings of his classic movies, with proceeds going to charities chosen by the actor.
“Pa Aluwe’s appeal transcends generations,” notes cultural commentator Funmi Iyanda. You’ll find grandparents who grew up watching his early works sitting alongside teenagers who discovered him through YouTube clips. That’s the mark of a true legend.”
As Pa Aluwe steps into his seventies, many are curious about what the future holds for the beloved actor. In a brief statement to the press gathered outside his home, Pa Aluwe hinted at exciting projects on the horizon:
“Age is just a number, and laughter knows no boundaries. As long as there are stories to tell and smiles to bring, Pappy Luwe will be here. The best is yet to come!”
As the day unfolds, more tributes are expected to pour in from fans, colleagues, and even political figures. The Nigerian entertainment industry has truly come alive to celebrate one of its most cherished icons.
For now, as the sounds of celebration echo through the streets of Lagos, one thing is clear: Pa Aluwe’s 70th birthday is not just a personal milestone, but a moment of national pride and reflection on the power of art to unite, entertain, and inspire.
