CURTAIN FALLS: Nollywood Legend and Academic Giant, Dr. Kola Oyewo, Laid to Rest in Osun Hometown

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Ayekooto Media

  
Dr. Kola Oyewo 

The final curtain has officially fallen on one of the greatest masquerades of the Nigerian theatre and cinematic world. Today, amidst tears, glowing tributes, and cultural grandeur, the remains of the veteran actor, dramatist, and respected scholar, Chief (Dr.) Kola Oyewo, were laid to rest at his residence in his hometown of Oba Ile, Osun State.

The iconic actor, who passed away on June 12, 2026, after a brief illness at the age of 80, was given a burial befitting of a cultural custodian. The burial ceremony drew massive attendance from Nollywood veterans, university dons, royal fathers, and political figures who came to pay their final respects to a man who effortlessly bridged the gap between the classroom and the silver screen.

From a Royal Farming Boy to a Theatrical Giant
Born on March 27, 1946, into a royal farming family in Oba Ile, Osun State, Kola Oyewo’s path to greatness was carved out of pure passion. His journey into the world of acting began in 1964 when he joined the famous 'Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group' in Osogbo. His first major breakthrough came when he played the role of Adejare in 'Orogun Adedigba', the autobiography of his mentor, Papa Oyin Adejobi. 

After nine years of honing his craft on the rugged stages of traveling theatre, Oyewo's destiny took a monumental shift in 1973. He joined the Ori Olokun Cultural Centre at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), working under the tutelage of the legendary dramatist, Chief Ola Rotimi. It was here that he delivered what many critics consider his magnum opus—his unforgettable portrayal of "Odewale" in Ola Rotimi’s masterpiece, "The Gods Are Not to Blame".

The Academic Scholar: A Late Bloomer's Triumph
What separated Kola Oyewo from his peers was his relentless pursuit of knowledge. When the management at Ori Olokun announced that actors without university degrees would be phased out to elevate the theatre arts department, Oyewo refused to be left behind. Encouraged by professors like Femi Osofisan, he returned to the classroom.

He obtained a Certificate in Dramatic Arts, followed by a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Theatre Arts from Obafemi Awolowo University in 1995. Not stopping there, he proceeded to the University of Ibadan, where he successfully earned his Master of Arts (M.A.) and a Ph.D. in Drama. 

Dr. Oyewo transitioned from being a stage actor to an academic colossus. He joined the services of Obafemi Awolowo University in 1996, rising to the prestigious rank of Senior Lecturer before retiring in September 2011. Following his retirement, he imparted knowledge as the Head of the Department of Dramatic Arts at Redeemer’s University, and later as a Performing Arts Lecturer at Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin.

A Cinematic Legacy Etched in Gold
To the modern Nigerian audience, Chief Kola Oyewo was the face of authority, wisdom, and profound Yoruba cultural expressions on screen. He commanded the screen in Mainframe Productions' most critically acclaimed movies. He will forever be remembered as the corrupt and tyrannical 'King Lapite' in Tunde Kelani's political satire, 'Saworoide (1999)', and as the embattled 'Mako' in 'Koseegbe (1995)'. His filmography is a national treasure, spanning classics like 'Sango', 'O Le Ku', 'Efunsetan Aniwura', and 'Super Story'. 

Tributes Fit for a Legend
Before his passing, Dr. Oyewo had been highly vocal about his battle with prostate enlargement and prostate cancer, using his platform to urge older men to take their medical check-ups seriously. 

As his body was lowered into the earth in Oba Ile today, the echoes of the tributes that followed his death resonated deeply. The Ooni of Ife, Ọba Adéyẹyè Ògúnwùsì, described him as the "pride of Yorubaland." Similarly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar mourned him as a legendary figure whose dedication to acting, teaching, and storytelling made an indestructible impact on Nigerian culture. 

Chief (Dr.) Kola Oyewo has taken his final bow, but the lines he delivered, the students he mentored, and the history he preserved will continue to live on the stage of eternity. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

David Alani Ige (The Scribe)
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, Ayekooto Media
Chronicling our heritage; architecting our future.




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David Alani Ige (The Scribe)

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, Ayekooto Media

David Alani Ige is a seasoned journalist, strategic analyst, and the visionary publisher of Ayekooto Media. With a relentless commitment to archiving Nigeria's political realities and delivering the unvarnished truth, he has built a formidable platform for deep-dive reportage and editorial excellence. He is widely known by his readers and peers as "The Scribe".

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