Nigerian TikTok comedian Raji Adetola, widely known as Mr Sanku Comedy, died on September 1, 2025, following a fatal car accident on the Oyo-Ogbomoso Road in Ibadan, Nigeria. The content creator, who had amassed over 1.9 million followers on TikTok since beginning his comedy career in 2021, was pronounced dead hours after being rushed to the hospital.
Photos and videos of the incident circulated on social media, showing the vehicle had crashed into a ditch. Sanku was traveling with a friend at the time of the accident, and both were transported to the hospital. While Sanku’s condition proved fatal, reports indicated his companion sustained critical injuries, though the friend’s current condition remains unclear.
The accident occurred on Monday along the major roadway connecting Oyo and Ogbomoso in Oyo State. Nollywood actress Funmi Awelewa confirmed the news after initially receiving hopeful reports about his condition. She indicated that one of her students near Bowen Hospital had initially reported that Sanku was responding to treatment, but despite prayers, he did not survive.
Awelewa expressed her grief on Instagram, writing “When it’s time for us to enjoy wat we worked hard for may we never lost our life” in reference to Sanku’s final video. Fellow actress Regina Chukwu also mourned his death, noting her devastation upon hearing the news and expressing sympathy for his mother.
The comedian’s final TikTok video, posted on Sunday before the fatal crash, went viral after news of his death broke. In the video, Sanku appeared alongside another creator, lip-syncing to a song while overlaying text that expressed his hope not to lose his life before enjoying the fruits of his labor. The prophetic nature of the message resonated deeply with his fans and fellow creators.
Sanku began his content creation journey in 2021, quickly gaining recognition for his unique storytelling approach and comedic skits. His distinctive style and sharp humor earned him a devoted following across social media platforms, particularly on TikTok where he regularly posted comedy content that resonated with audiences.
The entertainment community responded with widespread tributes following the announcement of his death. Skit maker Ozain Comedy posted a tribute on Instagram stating that Sanku should rest well, while influencer Jidex took to TikTok to honor his memory. The outpouring of support from colleagues highlighted the impact Sanku had made within Nigeria’s creative community.
Comments on Sanku’s final video became a memorial space for fans expressing their grief and disbelief. Followers questioned why his life was cut short and reflected on the unpredictable nature of life, with many posting messages of condolence and calling him a legend.
Sanku’s death represents part of a troubling trend affecting Nigeria’s skit-making community. According to Premium Times Nigeria, another rising skit maker known as Austin was killed weeks earlier in Lagos in a separate incident involving suspected cultists who attacked him with machetes in the Lakowe community of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area on August 14.
Austin, who was also a professional hairstylist, was reportedly traced to his apartment and dragged from his room before being killed. The back-to-back deaths of two young content creators have stirred grief and concern within Nigeria’s creative community about the repeated tragedies affecting skit makers.
The loss of Sanku has highlighted the vulnerability of young Nigerian entertainers who have built significant followings through social media platforms. His death occurred at what appeared to be the peak of his career, with his follower count continuing to grow and his content gaining increasing recognition within the Nigerian comedy scene.
Colleagues and fans continue to share memories and tributes across social media platforms, celebrating Sanku’s contributions to Nigerian comedy and his ability to bring joy to millions of followers. His work exemplified the new generation of Nigerian comedians who leveraged social media platforms to reach global audiences and build entertainment careers.
