Professor Moshood Abiola Peller, widely known as Professor Peller, was born Moshood Folorunsho Abiola in 1941, in Iseyin, Oyo State, Nigeria. He became one of the most prominent magicians in Nigeria, achieving recognition across Africa for his mastery of stage illusions. Peller’s early education took place in Iseyin, where he attended the Moslem School and the Native Authority Primary School. His interest in magic began in childhood, performing small tricks for local audiences.
In 1964, Peller travelled to India for formal training in magical arts, where he spent approximately eighteen months acquiring advanced skills. After completing his studies, he performed briefly abroad before returning to Nigeria. His first major performance in Lagos took place at the Federal Palace Hotel in 1966, marking the beginning of a career that would span more than three decades.
EXPLORE NOW: Biographies & Cultural Icons of Nigeria
Career and Key Performances
Professor Peller gained nationwide recognition for his skill in stage magic, presenting a range of illusions that drew large audiences. While specific details of his performances are not fully documented, his shows were known for their formal presentation, theatrical elegance, and appeal to a wide range of spectators, from everyday citizens to public figures.
In 1971, he married Alhaja Silifat Adeboyin Peller, who frequently participated in his stage shows. Their collaboration contributed to the popularity and grandeur of his performances, and they had children, including Shina Peller, who has acknowledged his father’s influence on his life and career.
Peller performed in major venues such as George V Stadium, now Onikan Stadium, Lagos, and toured other Nigerian cities, including Ibadan and Oyo. His shows became widely regarded as cultural events that highlighted the growing importance of live entertainment in post-independence Nigeria.
Societal and Cultural Influence
Peller rose to prominence during the 1960s and 1970s, a period of cultural expansion in Nigeria following independence. His performances offered Nigerians a modern form of entertainment alongside cinema, theatre, and music. Peller inspired subsequent performers, establishing a benchmark for stage magic and live entertainment in Nigeria.
He achieved widespread public acclaim and is remembered as a pioneer who brought structured stage magic to Nigerian audiences. His children, particularly Shina Peller, continue to recognise his contributions, illustrating the lasting familial and cultural legacy of his work.
Death
Professor Peller was shot and killed at his residence in Onipanu, Lagos State, on 2 August 1997. The perpetrators were never publicly identified, and the circumstances surrounding his death remain unresolved. His passing marked the loss of a major figure in Nigerian entertainment, and it was widely reported across national media.
Legacy
Professor Peller is remembered as Nigeria’s foremost magician, and his performances continue to be celebrated in media and biographies. He elevated stage magic from simple tricks to a respected form of performance art, demonstrating technical skill, precision, and disciplined presentation.
His legacy extends beyond entertainment, as he inspired new generations of Nigerian performers and influenced cultural appreciation of live shows. While few magicians have achieved his level of national acclaim, Peller’s name remains synonymous with excellence in stage illusion and Nigerian popular culture.
The life of Professor Moshood Abiola Peller represents the emergence of modern performance magic in Nigeria. From his early beginnings in Iseyin to national recognition, he set a standard for stage illusion and live entertainment that continues to inspire. His work expanded public engagement with performance arts and firmly established him as a cultural icon.
READ MORE: Ancient & Pre-Colonial Nigeria
Author’s Note
Professor Peller’s contributions to Nigerian culture extend beyond his performances. He pioneered a unique form of stage entertainment that combined technical skill with public spectacle. His legacy continues to influence performers and shape the appreciation of live arts in Nigeria, cementing his status as a historical figure in the nation’s cultural development.
References
Professor Peller Biography, Oyo Affairs.
Independent NG, 20 Years of Prof. Peller’s Legacy.
