Kayode Olaiya

EARLY LIFE

Kayode Olaiya was born in Ibadan, Oyo State. He attended St. Sephirian Primary School in the Oluyoro Oke-Ofa area of Ibadan. His father died when he was young, so his mother single-handedly sponsored his education through secondary school. Coming from a Muslim family background, he has spoken of the challenges of limited resources. His entry into performance began in 1966 while still in primary school. He and friends were approached near the Government House area (then bushy) while fetching firewood and mangoes. A staff member of Western Nigerian Television / Western Nigerian Broadcasting Service (WNTV/WNBC) invited them to tell African folklore stories on a live evening programme. Soft drinks (a luxury) helped lure them in. He became the anchor/host of the storytelling show, appearing in traditional attire, and continued for about three years. This exposed him to theatre greats such as Hubert Ogunde, Duro Ladipo, and Oyin Adejobi.

CAREER

After primary-school storytelling on WNTV, he continued drama in secondary school and joined the Edunkunle Travelling Theatre, touring schools. He was later spotted by Ola Omonitan (Ajimajasan) for his drumming and joined that group, serving as actor, stage manager, and costume designer. Tours often lasted months; he drove the group’s vehicle and handled props/costumes. Colleagues initially called him “Araga” (a dummy-like character). The name Aderupoko (“one who wants to kill/wreck the vehicle with excess luggage”) stuck after they repeatedly accused him of overloading the bus during tours. He disliked it at first but eventually accepted it; it became his lasting stage name. In the late 1970s/early 1980s he and colleagues Ayo Ogunsina (Papalolo) and Tajudeen Gbadamosi (Jacob) moved into comedy. Their group stood out in a television audition because the entire ensemble was funny (unlike solo-focused styles such as Baba Sala’s). They formed Jesters International around 1980. Jacob died in 1987, which affected the group; Papalolo later stepped away for a period. They also performed comic interludes and song parodies with King Sunny Ade’s band, gaining elite exposure. Olaiya has sustained a decades-long career in Yoruba theatre and Nollywood comedy and drama. Notable later roles include Jenifa’s father in Funke Akindele’s Jenifa’s Diary and Sgt. Afonja in Kunle Afolayan’s October 1 (2014). He has stated that the payment for October 1 was the highest of his career after more than 40 years of acting; he kept his hair long for over a year for the colonial-era police role. Other films include titles such as Ilekun Asiri, Oko Alhaja, Ayorunbo, and Layipo. He has also appeared in Mainframe productions (e.g., roles associated with Ti Oluwa Nile, Saworoide, Agogo Eewo). He has publicly discussed industry challenges, especially piracy, which he says prevents many actors from achieving financial stability despite popularity.

PERSONAL LIFE

Olaiya lost his father early and has emphasized the central role of his mother, whom he supported financially once he began earning from theatre. He trained as a fashion designer after secondary school under Pa Lawrence in Ibadan, ran a shop with about eight apprentices, and still sews clothes for himself, family, and friends. Theatre commitments eventually forced him to close the shop. He is married and has children. He has described himself in real life as cool, accommodating, and a caring but no-nonsense father, distinct from some of his comic on-screen personas. He values peace of mind over wealth and has spoken about the support and love from fans.

Kayode Olaiya (Aderupoko) is a respected elder statesman of Yoruba comedy and theatre, bridging the live travelling-theatre and early television eras with modern Nollywood. His longevity (over 50–60 years in the industry by the mid-2020s), distinctive comic style, and resilience despite financial pressures from piracy have made him a beloved figure. He continues to be celebrated for authenticity, stagecraft, and contributions to Yoruba entertainment.