A true luminary of Nigerian film and stage, Kayode Peters, has passed on after a long-term illness.
A statement from his family confirmed that the former actor, comedian, director, showrunner, and media entrepreneur, who wore many hats while laying the foundation of Nollywood, passed away in Canada on June 28, 2025.
Born on September 25, 1975, in Ibadan, Nigeria, Kayode Peters’ journey in the Nigerian entertainment industry began with a solid academic foundation, earning a Bachelor’s degree in English Language from the University of Lagos, Akoka. It was here that his passion for storytelling and performance truly blossomed. From his first day on campus, he was intrigued by the theatre, and he signed up to join a play group called Theatre 15, led by the legendary Kunle Bamtefa.
It all happened that on my first day on campus, I was allocated to the same room as Malcolm Fabiyi, popularly known as Malcolm X.. There was a play showing that day, which he invited me to. Unknowingly, my roommate was playing the lead role, and he played it so well that I was wowed.
While he enjoyed theatre and learning a lot from Kunle Bamtefa, Kayode wanted to become an actor. So when Tunde Rivers (Yuba), an actor from Checkmate, a show Kayode grew up watching, came to direct the group, he was so excited. The new director gave him the same role his roommate had played a year before in front of the school, and his performance made him popular in UNILAG. “It was so beautiful that I became popular there. Also, in my final year, I became the first student to direct that same play. “
The team that Kayode Peters put together for this production in his final year included many who have gone on to make a name for themselves in Nollywood. Teju Babyface produced multiple TV shows and hosted many talk shows and ceremonies, Denrele Edun redefined fashion and television hosting, and Koffi was also a member of that team. Kayode Peters might not have known it at the time, but his ability to identify stars and give them wings was going to redefine the film industry as we now know it today.
Many years later, he said, “People can tell you how many talents I’ve discovered. This isn’t me trying to toot my horn. I’m like a talent factory and most of my producer-friends come to me when they want to shoot because they know that I have eyes for talents.”
After leaving the university, he wasted no time in making his mark, producing his first television series, “Twilight Zone,” in 2000. I didn’t have the funds to run a project, so I carried the camera myself, wrote the scripts and many other things. In fact, there was no money to make photocopies of the scripts, so it was the handwritten one that we circulated amongst the actors, who then took turns to get their lines.
This early venture featured members of his previous theatre group who believed in Kayode and saw Twilight as a stepping stone. Kayode Peters once disclosed that all the actors— Koffi, Princess, Denrele and Chima— who played lead roles on the show acted for free.
When I started the television show, they were eager to get on board because it was a way to push ourselves and bring more recognition. The camera I used belonged to my friend, and I operated it myself. When we started getting adverts, I could afford to pay wages to my team, and when we ran out of money, nobody complained.
His professional career started with Papa Ajasco and Company, one of Nigeria’s most successful comedy franchises. Kayode Peters would not be remembered for a Nollywood blockbuster, as talented as he was, partly because of his desire not to work for anyone, but mainly because he hated lobbying.
I went for an audition, and I know I did well because I know I am a good actor. They didn’t give me the role and gave it to another person who didn’t even fit into the character. It was at that point that I discovered that Nollywood was about who you know. So, I told my friends that I would never go for any audition again.
So he focused solely on his own productions, sometimes featuring in a few scenes despite the lack of financial support required for success.
My production then was based on goodwill, but that can’t happen anymore. My major challenge back then was money. It was a bit difficult. I was trekking from one television station to another. There was a day I had to trek from MITV at Alausa, Ikeja to my house at Abesan, Ipaja. When adverts came, things began to improve, but those agencies were another challenge to deal with. They usually delay in terms of payments. Sometimes they are delayed for up to six months before paying. But when things started to improve, I paid my actors the little I could afford.
However, it was his instrumental role in the birth and success of the hit comedy sitcom “Flatmates” that cemented his legacy. As the beloved character Koko, Kayode Peters brought laughter and joy into countless homes, sharing the screen with old friends and industry giants Basketmouth, Steve ‘Yaw’ Onu, and Okey Bakassi. As the cast members became busier, getting them together for shoots became more difficult, so Kayode Peters had to pause the production.
African Magic commissioned the show for a return, “My Flatmates,” after Kayode and Basketmouth teased about it on Instagram. In an interview with Punch, he describes that moment as his “biggest break” because he knew he would not have to use his own money to shoot anymore.
Describing the favourite moment of his career, he said, “It was the rebirth of My Flatmates. I did Flatmates for many years with my money. There were times I paid television stations to air my programme. Luckily, they liked the content, so I didn’t have to pay many TV stations.
While some people have considered Flatmates a slapstick comedy show, Kayode Peters disagreed. People try to run away from facts because it’s classified as comedy when, in fact, it is not believable. You don’t have to overdo something to make it real or termed as comedy. Derivation also matters a lot. You have to know your audience. Some people enjoy slapstick, and they have a market. Some others don’t, and they cater to their own target audience in like manner. You don’t have to produce a programme for the whole world. You should have your target. Mine is for the intellectuals, and if they are enjoying it, then that works for me.
Beyond acting, Kayode Peters was a prolific director and producer, leaving behind a rich filmography that includes “Doll House” (2015), “Excuse My African” (2018), “Dream Job” (2023), and “Crazy Grannies” (2023).
His dedication extended beyond individual projects; he harboured a deep aspiration for Nigerian movies to achieve global recognition, mirroring the success of the country’s vibrant music industry. He was a significant contributor to Nigeria’s contemporary theatre and television space, constantly striving for excellence and innovation.
He married his wife, Alexander, a fellow graduate from the University of Lagos, on the 25th of June 2011 at the Church of Assumption, Falomo, Lagos. Just three days ago, they celebrated their wedding anniversary.
His wife’s wishes were simple: “I pray that God who brought us together and has kept us through the years will keep us together till we are old and grey in Good health, Long life, Happiness and Prosperity,” as seen on Instagram where on his 49th birthday, she had also wished that God will never take his hands off Kayode and that every Good thing he will supply to him in abundance, in a touching tribute to the husband and friend that he was. The couple is blessed with three kids.
As the industry mourns the loss of one of its brightest stars, Kayode Peters’ legacy will undoubtedly live on through the laughter he inspired, the stories he told, and the countless lives he touched. His absence leaves a void that will be deeply felt, but his spirit will continue to inspire generations of filmmakers and performers. May his soulful journey continue, and may he rest in perfect peace.
