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The family of late veteran comedian, Bob Okala has requested of government to give him a state burial.

The family says the contributions of the late comedian to the growth of comedy in Ghana deserves a state-sponsored burial. The popular Ghanaian comedian, born Samuel Kwadwo Buabeng, passed away at the Koforidua Hospital on Sunday, March 13 after he collapsed on stage during a carnival at the Koforidua Jackson park.

Some family members, including the comedian’s wife and children, told Hitz @ 1 a state burial is the best way to honor the fallen comedian.

They made the request during a special celebration for Bob Okala at the Arts Centre in Accra Friday. The celebration, which included comedy performances, was attended by David Dontoh, Pa George, Katawere, Ice Kenkey, Ice Water and several other personalities.

It was revealed that the final funeral rites for Bob Okala, who died at age 64, will come off on May, 6 and 7. He will be laid to rest at the Osu Cemetery on May 7 after the funeral ceremony at the Arts Centre. Okala shot to fame in the 90’s during the popular comedy show, Key Soap Concert Party, which was showed on GTV on Saturday evenings. 

The veteran comedian who became identified with a big clock on his wrist during his performances created a niche for himself in comedy and in no time got to star in some local movies. 

In what many fans have described as a sad year for Ghanaian comedy, another popular comedian Yaw Donkor, famously known as Nkomode in showbiz world passed on February 5, 2016, and will be buried in April.

The two veteran comedians were always in a tight competition to determine who was funnier during the Key Soap Concert Party days. Political 'Bishop' Bob Okala did not hide his support for the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC). He was active on several campaign platforms to garner votes for the party. 

He was part of the Kumawood actors who reenacted the Gold Coast police performance during the 59th Independence Day parade at the Black Star Square on March 6.