Nigerian TikTok comedian Raji Adetola, widely known as Mr Sanku Comedy, died on Monday, 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 traveling with a friend when their vehicle crashed into a ditch.
According to reports from multiple Nigerian news outlets, photos and videos of the accident scene circulated on social media, showing the vehicle that had plunged into the roadside ditch. Both Sanku and his traveling companion were rushed to the hospital immediately following the crash. While initial reports suggested Sanku was responding to treatment, he was pronounced dead several hours later at the medical facility.
The condition of Sanku’s friend who was traveling with him remained unclear, though reports indicated the individual sustained critical injuries in the accident. The Nigerian content creator had built his reputation through comedic skits and storytelling videos that showcased his unique style and sharp humor, quickly attracting a devoted following across social media platforms.
Nollywood actress Funmi Awelewa confirmed the tragic news on her Instagram page, revealing she had dispatched one of her students to Bowen Hospital to check on Sanku’s condition after seeing initial reports online. Awelewa indicated that hospital staff initially told her student that Sanku was responding to treatment, prompting prayers from friends and colleagues. However, despite the medical team’s efforts and the prayers of his supporters, the comedian did not survive.
The actress also revealed that Sanku had been cast in her upcoming film, expressing her heartbreak over the loss and the fact that the project had not yet been released. Awelewa wrote, “The pain, effort, strength, struggle… nothing makes sense.”
Fellow content creators and entertainers quickly took to social media to pay tribute to the late comedian. Skit maker Ozain Comedy posted a tribute on his Instagram story, while influencer Jidex shared an emotional video on TikTok. Actress Regina Chukwu also expressed her devastation at the news, indicating her shock at receiving what she called the most devastating news of the day.
In a haunting coincidence, Sanku’s final video posted to his TikTok account on Sunday, just one day before the fatal accident, showed him lip-syncing to the Haeman song “Iremiade” alongside fellow creator Krish Richie. The video carried text that read: “When it’s time for us to enjoy what we worked hard for may we never lose our life.” The prophetic nature of this message struck fans and fellow creators, who flooded the comments section with tributes after news of his death broke.
Sanku’s death occurred during a particularly difficult period for Nigeria’s content creation community. According to Premium Times Nigeria, another rising skit maker known as Austin was killed just weeks earlier in a separate incident in Lagos. Austin was found dead with machete wounds in the Lakowe community of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area on August 14, 2025, after suspected cultists allegedly traced him to his apartment and attacked him.
Austin, who was also a professional hairstylist, reportedly sensed danger shortly before the fatal attack. The Punch newspaper reported that the assailants stormed the area in the early hours of the morning, specifically targeting the deceased skit maker.
The deaths of both content creators within weeks of each other have stirred grief and concern within Nigeria’s creative community. Both men were rising stars in the competitive world of social media comedy, having built substantial followings through their distinctive styles and engaging content.