RIP: Professor Kole Omotoso, Vodacom’s ‘Yebo Gogo’ uncle, dies

IOL reports that Nigerian professor Bankole Ajibabi Omotoso aka Kole Omotoso, who was famously known as Vodacom “Yebo Gogo” uncle in the 90’s has passed away.

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PROFESSOR KOLE OMOTOSO DIES

Kaya 959 reveals that Kole Omotoso aka the Vodacom ‘Yebo Gogo’ uncle died at the age of 80 years in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 19 July.

One of his children Akin Omotoso confirmed his passing in a statement: “We are mourning the loss of our father, husband and grandfather Prof. Bankole ‘Kole’ Omotoso, who passed away after a long period of illness in Johannesburg on July 19, 2023. A born scholar, he never missed an opportunity to engage in new topics. An astute socio-political critic, his criticality never got in the way of his belief in humanity. We will miss him.”

The professor gained popularity in Mzansi and became an aistant celebrity, when he was the face of Vodacom’s “Yebo Gogo, Hello Grandma” advert from the early 2000.

He also worked as a professor at the English Department of the University of the Western Cape and the Drama Department of the University of Stellenbosch.

His children Akin Omotoso is a former Generations actor, renowned director, novelist and architect Yewande Omotoso.

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TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR VODACOM ‘YEBO GOGO’ UNCLE

Tumi Morake: “Condolences to you and your family Akin. May his soul rest in eternal peace..”

Martha Afia: ” May Prof rest in perfect peace, my condolences to you and kin ??. This beautiful pic reminds me of his smile in the Voda, Yebo Gogo advert.”

The Jerk Company: “Condolences to you and you family Akin!”

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