Nigerian comedian and skit maker Raji Adetola, known professionally as Mr Sanku Comedy, died Monday, September 1, 2025, following a car accident in Ibadan, Oyo State. The fatal crash occurred along the Oyo-Ogbomoso road when Sanku’s vehicle plunged into a ditch.
Sanku was traveling with a friend when the accident happened. Both individuals were rushed to Bowen Hospital, where Sanku was later pronounced dead. The condition of his companion remained unclear, though reports suggested critical injuries.
The 2021 content creator had built a substantial following on TikTok with over 1.9 million followers, gaining recognition for his unique storytelling and comedy style. His distinctive approach to humor and originality helped him rise to prominence in Nigeria’s competitive skit-making industry.
Nollywood actress Funmi Awelewa confirmed the death after initially receiving hopeful reports about Sanku’s condition. Awelewa indicated she had sent one of her students living near the hospital to check on him, and was initially told he was responding to treatment. Despite fervent prayers, Sanku did not survive his injuries.
The tragedy gained additional poignancy when Sanku’s final video, posted Sunday before the accident, went viral after news of his death broke. In the clip, he was seen alongside a friend with text that read: “When it is time for us to enjoy what we worked hard for, may we never lose our lives.”
Fellow entertainers and colleagues expressed their grief through social media tributes. Skit maker Ozain Comedy posted on his Instagram story, while influencer Jidex took to TikTok to speak about the loss. Regina Chukwu also mourned the death, expressing devastation at the news.
Sanku’s death represents the second tragedy to strike Nigeria’s skit-making community within weeks. Another rising content creator known as Austin was killed in a separate incident in Lagos in August. Austin was found dead with machete wounds in the Lakowe community of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area after suspected cultists allegedly traced him to his apartment and attacked him.
The repeated tragedies have raised concern within Nigeria’s creative community. Austin, who worked as a professional hairstylist in addition to creating content, was killed on August 14 when assailants stormed the area in the early morning hours. Reports indicated he sensed danger shortly before the fatal attack occurred.
Photos and videos of Sanku’s accident scene circulated on social media, showing the aftermath of the crash. The images depicted the vehicle that had gone off the road, illustrating the severity of the impact that led to the fatal outcome.
Actors Lanre Adediwura and Regina Chukwu joined the chorus of colleagues paying tribute to Sanku’s memory and extending condolences to his family. The entertainment community’s response highlighted the close-knit nature of Nigeria’s digital content creation industry and the impact of losing emerging talent.
Sanku’s rise in the entertainment industry began in 2021, when he started creating comedy content that resonated with Nigerian audiences. His storytelling approach and comedic timing helped distinguish him in a crowded field of content creators competing for attention on social media platforms.
The timing of his death proved particularly tragic, coming as his career was gaining momentum. His substantial TikTok following demonstrated his growing influence in Nigeria’s digital entertainment landscape, where young creators have found new avenues for building audiences and generating income through social media content.
Both deaths have highlighted the challenges facing young Nigerian entertainers as they navigate personal safety while building their careers. The incidents occurred in different circumstances but underscore the various risks faced by content creators in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
The loss of both Sanku and Austin within weeks has left fans and fellow creators mourning the premature end of two promising careers in Nigeria’s expanding digital entertainment sector.
