Nigerian actor and comedian Kunle Adetokunbo, popularly known by his stock character, Dejo Tunfulu, has passed away.

Dejo’s demise was announced on Friday, April 1, 2022, by one of his colleagues, Kunle Afod, who also confirmed to Netng in an inquiry.

Attempts to reach Tunde Dickson, cinematographer and fellow actor who was with Dejo at the hospital, proved abortive as he did not pick his calls or respond to text messages by Netng.

Dejo was born on May 31, although the specific year is unknown. While many media report it as 1972, he has always been secretive about it. In his last birthday post, he jocularly mentions “19kinikan”

He was born in Idumota, Lagos Island area of Lagos State, although he hailed from Ikija area of Abeokuta in Ogun State.

He began his education at Ansar-Ud-Deen primary school in Lagos Island before attending Dolphin High School, Ebute Elefun, where he obtained his School Certificate.

He furthered his education by attending the Modern Way Nigeria School of Printing for a certificate in printing.

Dejo began acting when he was in secondary school as a member of his school’s drama club. There his love and passion for acting grew in the 80s. He also lived close to actors like Fausat Balogun (Madam Saje) and Kayode Olasehinde (Baba Ajirebi) and had the opportunity of receiving informal training from them as a young boy.

He joined Akuko Gagara Theatre Group and Kolawole International Theatre Group, where he received more training as an actor. His first television appearance was in 1987 in the drama series “Apere Ijongbon”.

It was in the movie titled: “Omo Oran” that he shot into fame. Since then, he has gone on to feature in several movies, usually as a stock character that became synonymous with him: Dejo Tunfulu. The character is portrayed as someone with down syndrome that stammers. His comic characterisation made him a household name in the Nigerian movie industry.

Since the news of his death, tributes from fellow actors have poured in. Netng spoke with veteran actor,

Jide Kosoko, who expressed shock at the news of Dejo’s death, told Netng that the actor’s death is painful.

“He was a professional to the core. He goes about his trade with professionalism. He is such a fine gentleman and of the quiet type. He’s focused on his job and hardly gets involved in frivolous things, and was one of the old breeds,” he told Netng.

“We have various comics but he had his own type and was very good at it. Despite the challenges of the role he played, he did it well. He was a very fine young gentleman. He hardly engages in quarrels and fighting. His death is so painful.”

Yomi Fabiyi, in his tribute, wrote: “My heart is heavy. Senior man Kunle Makinde a.k.a DEJO. R.I.P. I am lost for words. This is a very humble, calm, talented and raw thespian. You will be greatly missed, egbon.”

Dejo will be buried in Agbowa, Ikorodu area of Lagos.