A Comprehensive Look at the Life, Career and Legacy of Late Theatre Icon Professor Kola Oyewo
A Comprehensive Look at the Life, Career and Legacy of Theatre Icon, Professor Kola Oyewo
By Paul Adebanjo
Nigeria’s entertainment and academic communities are mourning the passing of veteran actor, theatre scholar, and cultural advocate, Professor Kola Oyewo, who died at the age of 80 after a brief illness.
The news of his death was announced by his family on Friday. His son, Adetoyese Oyewo, shared the sad development on Facebook, describing his father as a man of wisdom, kindness, strength, and unwavering love.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my beloved father,” he wrote, while expressing gratitude for the impactful life he lived and the many lives he touched.
In a separate statement signed by Adewale Oyewo, the family said the late actor lived a life devoted to faith, service, family, and community development. They noted that although he would be greatly missed, his values, achievements, and contributions would continue to inspire future generations.
A Life Rooted in Culture and Tradition
Born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun State, Oyewo’s early exposure to Yoruba culture and tradition played a significant role in shaping his future career. Having spent part of his childhood in a royal environment where his uncle served as king, he developed a deep appreciation for storytelling, performance, and indigenous culture.
Journey into Theatre
His acting career began in 1964 when he joined the renowned Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group. His first major role was Adejare in Orogun Adedigba, a production inspired by Oyin Adejobi’s autobiography.
After nearly a decade with the troupe, he moved to the University of Ife Theatre, now Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), where he worked closely with celebrated playwright Chief Ola Rotimi.
One of Oyewo’s most memorable performances was his portrayal of King Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s classic play, The Gods Are Not to Blame. The role earned him widespread recognition and cemented his status as one of Nigeria’s finest stage actors.
Academic Excellence and Scholarship
Alongside his acting career, Oyewo pursued higher education with remarkable dedication. He obtained certificates in Dramatic Arts and Yoruba Oral Literature before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts from Obafemi Awolowo University in 1995.
He later obtained both a Master’s degree and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Drama from the University of Ibadan.
In a unique academic experience, he and his second son, Adeyemi, studied Dramatic Arts in the same university class and even appeared together in stage productions.
Distinguished Teaching Career
Professor Oyewo combined scholarship with professional theatre practice throughout his career.
He joined the academic staff of Obafemi Awolowo University, rising through the ranks to become a Senior Lecturer before retiring in September 2011.
Following his retirement from OAU, he served as Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Dramatic Arts at Redeemer’s University. He also contributed to the development of Theatre Arts programmes at Ekiti State University, where he became the pioneer Head of Department, and later taught at Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State.
Transition to Film and Nollywood Success
Beyond the stage, Oyewo became a familiar face in Nollywood, particularly in Yoruba-language films where he was often cast as kings, chiefs, and respected elders.
His portrayal of Oba Lapite in the acclaimed film Saworoide remains one of his most celebrated screen performances.
Over the years, he featured in numerous productions, including Sango, Koseegbe, Oleku, Super Story, Efunsetan Aniwura, Yemoja, Ayomi, Ewon Laafin, Oba Bi Olorun, and several other films that contributed significantly to the growth of Nigeria’s film industry.
Health Challenges
In one of his later public revelations, the veteran actor disclosed that he had been battling prostate enlargement, a condition that affected his mobility and limited his participation in film productions in recent years.
End of an Era
For decades, Professor Kola Oyewo remained a towering figure in Nigerian theatre, film, and academia. Through his performances, teaching, mentorship, and cultural advocacy, he helped preserve Yoruba theatrical traditions while nurturing a new generation of performers and scholars.
As tributes continue to pour in from colleagues, students, admirers, and members of the entertainment industry, many have described his passing as the end of a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s cultural history.
He is survived by children, grandchildren, family members, and countless protégés whose lives were transformed by his wisdom and dedication to the arts.