The Nigerian entertainment industry and academia have been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actor, dramatist and scholar, Prof. Kola Oyewo, a towering figure whose life embodied the seamless fusion of art, culture and intellectual excellence.
For more than six decades, Oyewo remained one of the most respected faces in Yoruba theatre and Nigerian performing arts, earning admiration not only for his memorable performances on stage and screen but also for his immense contributions to the academic development of theatre studies in Nigeria.
Born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun State, Oyewo’s journey into acting began in 1964 when he joined the renowned Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group. His first role was that of Adejare in “Orogun Adedigba,” a production based on the life story of the legendary theatre practitioner, Oyin Adejobi. What started as a youthful passion soon blossomed into a lifelong commitment to preserving and promoting Yoruba culture through drama.
After spending nearly a decade with the Oyin Adejobi troupe, Oyewo moved to the then University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, where he worked closely with renowned playwright and scholar Ola Rotimi. It was there that he immortalised the character “Odewale” in Rotimi’s celebrated adaptation of Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, The Gods Are Not to Blame. The role would become one of the defining moments of his illustrious career and cement his status as one of Nigeria’s finest stage actors.
Beyond acting, Oyewo distinguished himself as an academic of uncommon dedication. His educational journey was as inspiring as his theatrical exploits. He obtained certificates in Dramatic Arts and Yoruba Oral Literature from Obafemi Awolowo University before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts. Determined to deepen his scholarly pursuits, he proceeded to the University of Ibadan where he obtained both Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Drama.
His academic accomplishments earned him teaching appointments at several higher institutions. He joined Obafemi Awolowo University as a lecturer in 1996 and rose through the ranks to become a Senior Lecturer before retiring in 2011. Retirement, however, did not diminish his passion for education. He later headed the Department of Dramatic Arts at Redeemer’s University and subsequently served as a Performing Arts lecturer at Elizade University, where he continued mentoring younger generations of actors and scholars.
On screen, Oyewo’s commanding presence brought life to several classic productions, including Sango, Saworoide, Koseegbe, O Le Ku, Efunsetan Aniwura, Super Story and numerous other films that have become part of Nigeria’s cultural heritage. His versatility and mastery of indigenous storytelling endeared him to audiences across generations.
Colleagues and admirers often described him as a bridge between traditional Yoruba travelling theatre and modern Nollywood. His career spanned eras, from the golden age of stage drama to the digital age of filmmaking, making him one of the few practitioners who successfully navigated both worlds while remaining relevant and respected.
The late professor’s life stands as a testament to the power of talent nurtured by education. At a time when many viewed acting merely as entertainment, Oyewo demonstrated that the profession could also be a vehicle for scholarship, cultural preservation and national development.
As tributes continue to pour in from across Nigeria and beyond, the passing of Kola Oyewo leaves a vacuum in both the entertainment industry and academia. Yet, his legacy endures in the countless students he taught, the actors he inspired, and the timeless performances that will continue to educate and entertain future generations.
With the curtain now drawn on a remarkable earthly journey, Nigeria bids farewell to a cultural icon, a distinguished scholar, and a master storyteller whose contributions will remain etched in the annals of the nation’s artistic history.
