NAIJA AMEBO

The character ‘Saka’ has always being in our living rooms, cracking our ribs with laughter through various soap-operas and movies on television. But nothing prepared us for the thrill of seeing saka do the “I Don Port” dance. Saka brought smiles to our faces with is effortless foot-work on the MTN Mobile number portability advert. So how much do you know about the man Saka?

Well first, his real name is Hafiz Oyetoro and contrary to the image he portrays,he is a very brilliant man. He is a father of three and a strict disciplinarian. He was born in Adegbola village in Iseyin, Oyo state on August 20, 1968 and had both his primary and secondary education in Iseyin. He had his first degree in Dramatic Arts at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1986. He proceeded for his Masters at the University of Ibadan in 1993. He is presently in pursuit of his doctorate degree and teaches Theatre Arts at Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education. He loves to researching-It is one of his hobbies as a lecturer. He also loves to read and spend time with his children.

It will surprise you to know that he doesn’t like being called “saka”. Although he is gradually settling into the name that the nation would probably continue calling him forever, it is taking some effort getting used to. This is because the name is so contrary to his true nature, as he considers himself a quiet and easy-going man. He said at an interview; “my students know the difference between Saka and Hafiz. When I am working, I am working, and when I am making people laugh, I am doing that. They are two different things; my students know the difference.”

The nickname ‘Saka’ came from his character in a TV show-House Apart and Area C. Area C was a very popular show on Nigerian Police Men, and at the time it was the second most popular comedy show in Nigeria. That scored Mr. Ayetoro the limelight, and he went ahead to produce House Apart with a fellow colleague and played the role of Saka there, and so the name was born.

There you have it, the man behind the name. Finally, if a customer who sounds like ‘saka’ calls and says; “My name is Hafiz Oyetoro”, don’t go screaming “saka!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”