Kayode Olaiya

Biography

Kayode Olaiya, popularly known by his stage name Aderupoko, is a respected veteran Nigerian actor and comedian with a career spanning over four decades. He began acting in the 1960s on Western Nigeria Television (WNTV) and with travelling theatre groups in Ibadan, later becoming a notable figure in Yoruba cinema and stage drama. Aderupoko is famed for his roles in classic Nollywood films such as Ti Oluwa Nile, Saworoide, Thunderbolt, and in Kunle Afolayan’s October 1, where he played Sergeant Afonja. He earned his stage name from his early theatre days — a nickname meaning someone who ‘overloads’ a vehicle — and remains beloved for his wit, professionalism, and contributions to Nigerian comedy and film