A veteran actor, Usman Baba-Pategi, popularly known as Samanja, has passed away at the age of 81.
His son, Yusuf Usman, confirmed the death of his father in a text message sent to DAILY NIGERIAN on Sunday.
“From Allah we come and to Him we shall return, our dad (Alhaji Usman Baba Pategi, Samanja, 81 years) has returned to Allah at about 12am.
“Janaiza prayers will be by 10am @ his residence No 5 Aduwa Road, Costain Quarters, Kaduna,” the message read.
According to Wikepedia, Mr Baba-Pategi was born on May 20, 1942, into the royal house of Pategi Emirate in Pategi.
He was the son of Etsu Usman Patako late King of Pategi.
He started his early education in Pategi primary school and then went to Ilorin Middle School.
He worked with public works department in the mechanical store, before joining Northern Broadcasting Corporation, NBC, in Kaduna.
He joined the Nigeria Army in 60s where an Army captain during the Nigerian civil war came looking for youth in Northern Nigeria to volunteer, he left the Broadcasting cooperation to join the army and trained at the Signal Training School, Apapa, he served under General Sani Abacha and General Sani Sami.
Later he retired in 1985 and went on for acting career drama at the FRCN Kaduna which he also direct and writes movies, mostly he was known as Samanja Mazan Fama.
