When there were only a few television stations in the country in the 1970s and 1980s, the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, was the dominant station. Everyone relied on the NTA back then for news, reports, and entertainment, among other things. NTA truly carved out a niche for itself in the entertainment industry. As a result, some of the soap operas aired on the station became popular across the country. Village Headmaster was a prominent example of such a show. The series aired in 1968 and ran until 1988. It included some of the best actors from Nigerian entertainment.
Today, the majority of the cast have died, with only a few people knowing. Here are some of the stars who, before their death, brought joy to the homes of Nigerians with their talents.
Table of Contents
1. Oba Funsho Adeolu
Oba Funsho Adeolu played the harsh Chief Eleyinmi, the king’s second-in-command in the imaginary Yoruba village of Oja. He appeared pompous and rarely joked around. He died in 2008.
2. Jab Adu
Jab Adu played Bassey Okon, the only shopkeeper in Oja village. Jab Adu died at the age of 83 in 2016.
3. Justus Esiri
Cosmas Aderibigbe Ali, the Village Headmaster who followed Araba, was played by Justus Esiri. Justus Esiri passed away in February 2013, at the age of 70.
4. Ukwak Asuquo
Boniface was played by Ukwak Asuquo. Boniface worked as an English-speaking shopkeeper in Bassey Okon’s shop. He was constantly dressed in a long-sleeved shirt with a wrapper. He passed away in April of 2020.
5. Wole Amele
Wole Amele played the character of Counsellor Balogun, a boastful character, who never backed down from confrontations. Even at Kabiyesi’s palace, he could barely keep his attitude under control.
6. Jimmy Johnson
Jimmy Johnson portrayed Okoro, an Igbo figure who dressed and spoke in the manner of an Igbo guy. He was a problematic individual who was always at odds with someone. Jimmy Johnson passed away in 2020.
7. Elsie Olusola
Elsie Olusola played Sisi Clara, a tailor and friend of Ibidun Allison aka Amebo.
8. Albert Olayemi
Gorimapa, the palace servant, messenger, and town crier who always sat at the foot of the throne, was played by Albert Olayemi. He passed away in August of 2012.
9. Joe Layode
Joe Layode played Teacher Garuba, a smart but poor teacher who was often complaining about his life situation. He was often be found at Amebo’s bar, drinking palm wine and lamenting.
10. Sam Agbebi
On Tuesday, March 1, 2016, Sam Agbebi succumbed to the cold hands of death. In the series, Agbebi played the royal servant who subsequently became Lawyer Iyanda.
11. Femi Robinson
Femi Robinson played one of the main characters in The Village Headmaster. He passed away in May 2015, at the age of 75.
12. Enebeli Elebuwa
Enebeli Elebuwa, who played a police officer, died in 2012.
13. Ted Mukoro
Ted Mukoro, who played the first village headmaster, died on March 8, 2018. He was 89 years old.
