Kayode Peters launched my comedy career in year 2000 – Teju Babyface

Comedian and TV host Teju Babyface Oyelakin has penned a moving tribute to late filmmaker and director Kayode Peters, who was laid to rest in Canada on Saturday, August 2, 2025.

Teju, who credits Kayode for launching his comedy career, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, recalling how the late producer’s kindness and connections changed his life forever.

Teju revealed that back in the year 2000, while he was still a campus comedian at the University of Lagos, Kayode introduced him to legendary comedian Basorge Tariah Jnr. According to him, the meeting opened the doors to mainstream success. He shared:

“Up until then, I had been a UNILAG campus comedian with no idea of how to take my act mainstream. Kayode somehow met Basorge on the set of a production somewhere and, like play, like play, we both piled into the bus headed in the Bariga direction that day to meet up with him. Remember, there were no cell phones back then, so the Grandmaster didn’t know we were coming. But as luck would have it, we met him at home, and KP proceeded to convince him that I was the funniest thing since Basorge! And the rest is history.”

Teju praised Kayode for his unmatched gift for connecting people and bringing them together. He described him as “a king among men”, noting that his warmth, humility, and humanity would ensure that he is remembered for generations. He said:

“Do people die if they will never be forgotten? I think not, my brother. You will live as long as people remember you, and for you, Kayode, that means you will live for a long, long time indeed. Longer even than many of us who mourn you right now. For how many of us have the gift of connection, cohesion, and humanity like you did? KP, a king among men!”

Closing his tribute, Teju bid an emotional farewell to his friend and mentor, ending with a heartfelt Yoruba expression of parting:

“Goodnight, my brother and friend. O di’gba o.”

Kayode Peters, aged 49, passed away on June 28 in Toronto after battling an undisclosed illness. His career spanned hit TV shows like My Flatmates, Papa Ajasco, and Extended Family, as well as multiple successful Nollywood films.

He was laid to rest at Milton Evergreen Cemetery in Ontario, Canada, after a multi-country celebration of life that included tribute nights in Lagos and London.