The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of Dame Salome Ufuoma, mother of ace comedian and entertainment icon, Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, popularly known as Alibaba.
Dame Ufuoma, a revered matriarch of the Royal Family of the Ovie of Agbarha-Otor Kingdom and Emuoyinbo family of Obubu in Udu in Delta State, died peacefully on January 2, 2026.
She was 90 years old.
In a statement by the family posted on the verified of Comedian Alibaba, the family described her passing as a “call to glory”.
Beyond being the mother of one of Africa’s most celebrated comedians, Dame Salome Ufuoma was celebrated as a remarkable businesswoman, devoted church chorister, skilled seamstress, dedicated teacher, passionate farmer, empathetic counsellor and generous philanthropist, whose influence cut across generations.
The family said she lived a life anchored on faith, hard work and selfless service, leaving behind a legacy of love, mentorship and moral uprightness that continues to inspire her children, grandchildren and the larger community.
She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sister, nieces, nephews, daughters-in-law and sons-in-law.
Her death has drawn heartfelt tributes from admirers within and outside the entertainment industry, many of whom described her as the strong moral foundation behind Alibaba’s values, discipline and exceptional career.
Funeral arrangements, according to the family, will be announced in due course.
In his tribute, Alibaba described the passage of his mother as a great loss, stressing that she would be greatly missed.
Alibaba’s tribute partly read, “I will keep my promises to you and do as you asked. You thought me things that I cannot forget, in ways that are unconventional.
“You always called at between 4am and 5am. I remember asking why you like to call at such times. And you replied, ‘the time you wake me go born you for Numa, na afternoon? No be 3am?’ Mummy Salome… rest in peace.
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“God has got you. As I saw your lifeless body in the morgue, I asked myself, is this the woman who gave me life, that is lying lifeless like this? Because I spoke to you many times as I planned January1st. And you said ‘I know say the show no go let you see road’.”
