Chat with Baba Suwe's wife

How i fell in love with Baba Suwe - MOLADUN
By WALE ADENUGA

Her real name is Monsurat Omidina. She is one of the best Nigerian female comedians and she is really doing fine. Married to a popular comedian, Babatunde Omidina popularly known as Baba Suwe. In this interview, Moladun talks about how she lost her former husband, met and finally fell in love with Baba Suwe; her life as a theatre practitioner and how rich she presently is. She equally debunks the allegation that her husband was caught with drug and gives other interesting revelations. This interview took place at ‘Baba Suwe Shopping Complex’, on the outskirts of Lagos to conduct this exclusive interview. Enjoy the excerpts.

Who is Baba Suwe and how would you describe him and his personality?

Baba Suwe is quite different from Babs Omidina. His real name is Babatunde Omidina. But it will interest and surprise you to know that Babs is quite different from Baba Suwe. Baba Suwe is just a character that he wears like a uniform. Whenever he is wearing that name he cracks jokes, makes jests and say anything he wishes or as directed by the script. But he is a different personality as a father to his children or as my husband. He is a straightforward person. His yes is yes while his no is no. He is reliable and a responsible father.

Are you saying Baba Suwe we know is quite different at home?

Yes of course. If on stage he is always a serious person but not proud as some people do allege. People say he is proud but I can say it emphatically that my husband is not proud. He is a very reserved person. He always minds his own business.

How is he to his children then?

He is a real and caring father to his children. He loves his children to a fault. He doesn’t play with their upbringing and upkeep. He even prefers his children to me. Whenever he is at home, his children always feel happy and surround him. If possible, he wouldn’t mind taking them out along whenever he’s going out. He is a loving and caring father.

How and when did you join theatre world?

I started with stage performance in 1982 in Ibadan with my boss then, Chief Olowookere. We lived at Aremo and Iya Sala used to come around and we would see them between Ikolaba and the premises of NTA Ibadan. They used to do rehearsals behind Odo Alana behind NTA premises then. I told them of my intention to join them. After I joined we used to rehearse everyday by 4pm. Then, one thing led to the other and another group was formed called ‘Loveally’. I can recall, my mother in-law asked whether I could do what they were doing? She also inspired me greatly.

When exactly did you start dating Baba suwe?

Hee, you see is not something I like talking about. I lost my ex-husband in 1993 and our relationship started in 1994 but we did not marry until 1995. We went to registry to solidify our love. The very first time I met him he was with other Oga’s sitting and I greeted all of them and they answered but he didn’t respond to my greetings and I was bitter. I was later told, that it was his behaviour and that has nothing to do with pride. He later sent somebody to me intimating me about his love for me. Then there was a day a respected woman in the industry invited me over to her place. On getting there I met her with Baba Suwe and she said it was Baba Suwe that actually wanted to see me. He started by wooing me and in the process he slept off and I was smiling and wondering whether he was acting a script or he just slept off like that. The rest was now history.

What were you doing before venturing into theatre world?

My mum used to sell food at Ojoo Park in Ibadan and that is exactly what I have been into till this moment, that’s my canteen (pointing to her shop nearby). My mum sells food, likewise our first daughter.

How many children do you have for Baba Suwe?

Two.

Did you meet any woman with him as at the time you married him or was he living alone?

Yes. I met a woman but she lived in a different apartment from ours.

What’s her real name?

Ayo.

How rich is Monsurat Omidina?

My brother, I’m not rich and am not poor. I am only comfortable.

Who is your role model?

She is known as Iya Wande. She used to be part inf Television Serial then in Ibadan. The woman is just very good, a good actress per excellence.

How many films have you featured in so far?

I’ve lost count. I can’t recall all.

How many did you write and produced by yourself?

About four. Namely: Obakan, Ola ore, Kokunrin to atorin and Atiko.

If offered several millions, would you wear a lingene on set?

Lailai. It is impossible. ‘Oke Ibadan o nije’.

Any regret being an actress?

No, our profession is a wonderful one that takes you above your expectation.

How do you cope with female fans of Baba Suwe who always move around him?

Initially, I was not always feeling comfortable, but as time went on I got used to it. He is mature enough to handle them effectively without my knowledge. It’s a normal game men play.

Does he womanize?

I don’t know but if there is anything like that he would hide it from me. He is old enough to know what is good and bad for himself. He is in a better position to answer such question.

How come you were tagged “Omoladun” which film or who gave you that name?

In the Tv serial I told you about, Okanlawon’s brother is Omoladun, which I acted and that was how people keep calling me Omoladun. That Television serial was sponsored then by Lever Brothers.

Why do you always play the role of a house help or an old woman in all your films?

No not in all the films. Watch Obakan, it was a new concept and I just have to play any role given to me by a director. But I promise my fans; I will note that when next I’m writing another film.

Did you and Baba Suwe quarrel some times?

Of course we do. Even the Governor of a state and his wife must quarrel on some issues. It’s a normal thing but we settle it between us. He keeps malice but when I notice that he has not talked to me for two days I would call him as early as possible and explain that I could not pray because of that and in a twinkle of an eye, it is over. At times he would be the one to first call for settlement.

There is this rumor flying around town by some people that Baba suwe was caught with drug and that he is presently in Makurdi prison. Is it true?

When I arrived here now who did I first call and talk to? I informed him that I’m going for a meeting somewhere and as soon as I came back I called him to let him know that I was back at the shop. Unexpectedly, I even placed the phone on your ear so that you could hear his voice. My husband is such a person that doesn’t have lives. He cannot hit a butterfly not to talk of street fighting. I can say it categorically that I am even bolder than him but not to the extent of carrying drugs and you won’t believe it both of us have never set our eyes on it before. That is the irony of it.

Who are your parents? What will you say you gained from them?

My parents are not alive. My mum’s name is Alhaja Munirat Bamidele and my father’s name is Alhaji Rauf Oyeniyi of Ile Bara in Opooyeosa.

There is this saying that if somebody claims to be Ibadan, he must have come from one of the suburbs villages. Which one is yours?

I’m from akuto and our altar (Aba) is Jojo. Truly, I was raised by one of my aunties, Mrs Belawu in Fehintoki