It was a night of glamour, royalty, and heartfelt tributes as the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, hosted a majestic celebration in honour of Nollywood legend Sunday Omobolanle, popularly known as ‘Papi Luwe,’ on the occasion of his 70th birthday.
The event, packaged by Aroba Groove, was held at the opulent Ooni’s Palace in Osun State. It became the talk of the town, attracting an array of dignitaries, Nollywood stars, and cultural icons.
The cradle of Yorubaland came alive with colourful traditional displays, music, and dance as the revered monarch led the charge in honouring one of Nigeria’s most beloved comedians and actors.
With his signature warmth and humility, the Ooni praised Aluwe’s illustrious career, describing him as a “cultural ambassador who has used his talent to promote Yoruba heritage and values.”
While delivering his remarks during the special birthday ceremony organised by Aroba Groove Entertainment at his palace on Saturday, the Ooni noted that Papeluwe is a talented actor who always performs excellently in his craft.
The royal father added that the actor possesses exceptional skills that captivate viewers and his fans alike. “We cannot but celebrate our veteran actor, who has performed excellently in the movie industry for decades.
“I remember that Papeluwe was a household name in the Yoruba movie
industry in the 1980s and 1990s, where fans enjoyed every moment of his performances on stage and in television series.
“Today, we are celebrating a Yoruba movie icon who played a vital role in the industry in those days and continues to shine to this day. We are honoured to host this birthday celebration for him at the palace,” the Ooni said.
Dotun Taylor, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Aroba Groove Entertainment, also praised Papi Luwe’s contributions to Nollywood, describing his efforts as invaluable.
“Papi Luwe’s contributions to the advancement of the Nollywood industry in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized.
He has done a remarkable job throughout his career.
“He is a great actor and a professional comedian with an incredible sense of humour while on stage. It is a pleasure to celebrate him today, to show love and appreciation for all his efforts in promoting the acting profession over the decades,” Taylor said.
The night was a blend of royalty and entertainment, with ‘Papi Luwe’ basking in the spotlight, surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues. Nollywood heavyweights and fans turned up in their numbers to celebrate the veteran, whose comedic genius has kept audiences entertained for decades. From heartfelt speeches to vibrant performances, the event radiated an undeniable energy that captured the essence of Yoruba culture and Nollywood’s influence.
Highlights of the celebration included a traditional dance troupe performance, a glowing tribute from the Ooni himself, and Papi Luwe’s emotional thank-you speech, where he expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming love and support.
“It is an honour to be celebrated by the Ooni of Ife and to witness this incredible show of appreciation. I am truly humbled,” Papi Luwe said as his voice heavy with emotion.
The celebration wasn’t just about nostalgia; it was a reflection of Papi Luwe’s enduring legacy in the Nigerian entertainment industry. Guests were treated to an exquisite banquet, with traditional Yoruba delicacies taking centre stage.
The night ended with a royal toast to the icon.
This milestone birthday was a testament to the power of art, culture, and community, as Nollywood royalty and Yoruba traditions united in a spectacular display of affection for one of their own.
As Papi Luwe steps into a new decade, his star continues to shine brightly, cementing his place as a legend both on and off the screen.
