Nigerian comedian and skit maker Raji Adetola, known professionally as Mr Sanku Comedy, died following a car accident on Monday, September 1, 2025, along the Oyo-Ogbomoso road in Ibadan. The content creator was confirmed dead after being rushed to the hospital following the crash.
The fatal accident occurred when Sanku’s vehicle plunged into a ditch along the busy highway. Photos and videos of the crash scene circulated widely on social media platforms, showing the severity of the accident. Sanku was traveling with a friend at the time of the collision.
Both individuals were transported to Bowen Hospital for emergency treatment. While initial reports suggested Sanku was responding to medical intervention, he was later pronounced dead. The condition of his traveling companion remained unclear, though reports indicated the individual sustained critical injuries.
Nollywood actress Funmi Awelewa confirmed the comedian’s death through her Instagram account. She revealed that she had dispatched one of her students living near the hospital to check on Sanku’s condition. Awelewa indicated that hospital staff initially reported the comedian was responding to treatment, prompting hopes for his recovery.
The actress expressed her grief over the outcome, stating that despite prayers and initial positive reports from medical personnel, Sanku ultimately succumbed to his injuries. Awelewa noted, “When I saw the news online, I quickly sent one of my students who stays close to Bowen hospital.”
Sanku began his content creation career in 2021, developing a distinctive comedic style that resonated with audiences across social media platforms. His unique storytelling approach and original comedy skits earned him significant recognition within Nigeria’s entertainment industry. The comedian had amassed over 1.9 million followers on TikTok, establishing himself as one of the platform’s prominent Nigerian creators.
Fellow entertainers and content creators paid tribute to Sanku following news of his death. Skit maker Ozain Comedy shared a memorial message on his Instagram story, while influencer Jidex posted a tribute video on TikTok honoring the deceased comedian. The entertainment community expressed shock and sadness over the sudden loss.
A particularly poignant detail emerged regarding Sanku’s final social media post. The comedian had uploaded a video to his TikTok account on Sunday, just one day before the fatal accident. In the content, he expressed hopes of living long enough to enjoy the fruits of his labor and professional success. The video gained viral attention following news of his death, as viewers reflected on the tragic timing of his words.
Sanku’s rise to prominence occurred relatively quickly within the competitive Nigerian social media landscape. After launching his comedy career in 2021, he shot to fame three years later through his innovative approach to storytelling and sketch comedy. His content consistently attracted large audiences, helping establish his reputation as one of Nigeria’s emerging digital entertainment personalities.
The comedian’s death represents a significant loss for Nigeria’s growing digital content creation community. His colleagues described him as a dedicated performer who brought joy to millions of viewers through his creative work. The accident has prompted discussions about road safety along Nigerian highways, particularly the Oyo-Ogbomoso route where the crash occurred.
Industry observers noted that Sanku’s passing comes during a period of expansion for Nigerian digital entertainment, with content creators gaining increased recognition and commercial opportunities. His success on international platforms like TikTok had positioned him among the country’s most promising young entertainers.
