‘I Am Senior To Jide Kosoko, Oga Bello’- Awofe Afolayan Reasserts Dominance As Industry Pioneer

In a definitive move to establish the true hierarchy of the Nigerian film industry, veteran theater practitioner Awofe Afolayan has set the record straight, boldly asserting his seniority over household names like Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello) and Prince Jide Kosoko. Speaking on a programme, Oyinmomo, monitored by Gistlife, the legendary actor, whose roots trace back to the foundational era of the Yoruba traveling theater, cleared the air regarding his standing among the industry’s elite.

Afolayan emphasized that his “boss” status is not merely a title of respect but a reflection of a professional timeline that predates many of his celebrated contemporaries. He maintained that while the likes of Oga Bello and Jide Kosoko are undoubtedly veterans, the chronological records of their apprenticeship and emergence in the theater world place him in a superior position. He described himself as the “boss of bosses,” noting that his involvement in the profession dates back to an era when the craft was still being molded under the direct tutelage of the first generation of pioneers.

The veteran actor recalled his early years serving under legendary figures, explaining that by the time many prominent names today were finding their footing, he had already established himself within the circle of theater leaders. In the strict traditional hierarchy of the Yoruba theater—where seniority is determined by the year of entry and the lineage of one’s apprenticeship—Afolayan insists his record remains undisputed.

During the session on Oyinmomo, he detailed his journey from the traveling stage to the modern screen, referencing his long-standing tenure alongside late icons of the Hubert Ogunde and Baba Sala era. By highlighting his relationship with these pioneers and the late Alade Aromire, he effectively settled the matter of rank, leaving no room for ambiguity. His assertions have once again turned the spotlight on the rich, unspoken codes of seniority that continue to govern the soul of the Nigerian movie industry.