The Nigerian entertainment industry has taken significant hits as a result of the deaths of actors/actresses whose imprints, ideals, and achievements will undoubtedly be much missed. Musicians, comedians, actors, and show promoters have all passed away over the years.
Death is not as terrible as the memories it evokes in mourners. As this writer recalls performers who died prematurely or lost their lives while working in the film industry, Sikiru Adesina, also known as Arakangudu, comes to mind. The ‘bad boy’ of the Yoruba movie industry business died at the age of 45 from a cardiac arrest.
Sikiru Adesina, also known as Arakangudu, was a master of his own profession. The Osogbo-born movie star was an actor, director, and producer. His narrative as a little boy from Osogbo who won many people’s hearts through film characters was inspiring. He began as a young lad on the streets of Osogbo, watching and witnessing stage performances then participated and transitioned to home films before becoming a proud member of the Osun Arts Council. Arakangudu’s story was about excellence, determination, and perseverance.
The barely literate actor dominated the Yoruba film business in the 1990s, playing characters such as armed robber, herbalist, occultist, cultist, and villain warrior. If you’ve seen Arakangudu in action as an armed robber, a herbalist, or cultist, you’ll see that he was a master of these roles and carried them with dexterity. He showed a strong devotion and dedication to the sector, contributing his quota to its growth.
His grasp of Yoruba idioms and proverbs, as well as his use of strong Yoruba intonation, were exceptional and excellent. His spoken words flow naturally with his movements. Sikiru Adesina, often known as Arakangudu, couldn’t turn down the opportunity to act. Sikiru’s portrayal of an armed robber in films was extraordinary. Sikiru was a talented herbalist. When he’s performing, he always gives it his all, and the flavors he adds at every opportunity make him a fan favorite among those who admire or enjoy action Yoruba movies in the early 20s.
He featured in over 100 Yoruba films. He also produced more than 10 Yoruba movies too. From Temi Ni Tie Ko (2004) to Agbede Ogun (2005) to Idunnu Mi (2007) to Ilu Gangan (2009) to Ogbologbo (2003) to Iya Oju Ogun (2007) to Ere Agbere (2005) to Agba Osugbo to Aje Olokun to Iya Oko Bournvita to Igba Owuro (2005) to Ayaba Oosa to Ajana oro to Fijabi to Oju Odaran Re to Basira Badia to Ogunmola bashorun Ibadan, every film production was a hit after another. However, his 2007 hit Idunnu Mi propelled him to popularity, and Sikiru Adesina, also known as Arakangudu, became a household name.
Arakangudu experienced his own share of life, fate, and destiny. Everything wasn’t perfect for him till he died at the age of 45. As loving as his early career was, he encountered a delay or impediment that kept him away from the screen for an extended period of time. He complained about being ignored by his colleagues. He also faced body shaming after gaining weight, and directors complained that he was no longer suitable for his well-known parts. Arakangudu, rather than seeking alms, relocated to Kaduna and launched a small-scale business to survive.
Although other reports said that he relocated to Kaduna because he was sick and needed treatment, a close relative told this writer that he had to come down to Kaduna to establish a business owing to the indifference he was receiving from coworkers at the time. After a few years, he returned to the Yoruba industry to stage a comeback. He had played a prominent role as a palace chief in a movie titled Ayaba Oosa before he died on Tuesday, February 9, 2016, at the age of 45.
Sikiru Adesina, often known as Arakangudu, the ‘bad boy’ of Yoruba films, was a fantastic actor who deserves to be remembered forever.
Sleep well, the ‘bad guy’ of Yoruba films who graced our screens for years.
