The Nigerian entertainment industry is mourning the loss of comedian and skit maker Sanku, who died in a fatal car accident along Ogbomoso Road in Oyo State on Monday, September 1, 2025.
Raji Samad Adetola, professionally known as Mr. Sanku Comedy, was involved in what witnesses described as a ghastly automobile accident in the early hours of Monday morning. The accident occurred along the Oyo-Ogbomoso road, with the vehicle crashing into a ditch. Sanku was traveling with a friend when the tragedy struck.
The crash occurred in the early hours of Monday, September 1, 2025, and left several passengers injured. Dramatic footage and photographs of the accident scene quickly circulated across social media platforms, showing the extent of the damage and the precarious position of the vehicle.
Emergency responders rushed both Sanku and his companion to a nearby medical facility, where they received immediate treatment. However, despite initial hopes for recovery, both men were pronounced dead several hours after admission, marking a devastating end to what had begun as a routine journey.
The 24-year-old content creator had carved out a significant niche in Nigeria’s burgeoning digital entertainment landscape since launching his comedy career in 2021. Known for his distinctive storytelling approach and unique comedic timing, Sanku had rapidly gained a substantial following across social media platforms with his relatable skits and engaging content.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s entertainment community, with fellow content creators and industry professionals expressing their grief and disbelief. Actor Yemi Elesho confirmed the sad news on his social media platforms.
Nollywood actress Funmi Awelewa revealed the emotional rollercoaster experienced by those close to the comedian. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she disclosed that she had dispatched one of her students, who lived near Bowen Hospital, to check on Sanku’s condition. The student initially reported that the comedian was responding well to treatment, providing temporary relief and hope to his supporters and colleagues.
“Despite my prayers against death,” Awelewa wrote, expressing the helplessness felt by many who had hoped for Sanku’s recovery, “he eventually passed on.”
The loss represents not only a personal tragedy for Sanku’s family and friends but also a significant blow to Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital content creation industry. In just four years since beginning his journey, Sanku had established himself as one of the promising voices in Nigerian comedy, demonstrating the potential for homegrown talent to capture audiences through authentic, culturally resonant content.
There were conflicting reports about Sanku’s fate on social media Monday night, with some colleagues initially expressing hope before the tragic confirmation of his death.
The Oyo-Ogbomoso expressway, where the accident occurred, has been the site of numerous traffic incidents over the years, raising ongoing concerns about road safety infrastructure and driving conditions along this busy corridor.
As news of Sanku’s death continues to spread, tributes are pouring in from fans, colleagues, and industry stakeholders who remember him not only for his comedic talents but also for his potential to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s entertainment landscape. His death serves as a stark reminder of how quickly promising lives and careers can be cut short, leaving behind a legacy that, while brief, touched many lives through laughter and creativity.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Nigerian comedian Mr. Sanku Comedy (Raji Samad Adetola) died Monday following a car accident on the Oyo-Ogbomoso road. The 24-year-old content creator, who began his comedy career in 2021, was traveling with a friend when their vehicle crashed into a ditch in the early hours. Both men were rushed to the hospital but died hours later despite initial signs of recovery.
