Nollywood and Academic Communities Mourn as Legendary Actor, Professor Kola Oyewo, Takes Final Bow at 80
His death represents the end of a golden era, closing a magnificent chapter of a career that spanned over six decades across the stage, screen, and university lecture halls.
Circumstances Surrounding His Death
While the family has focused their messages on celebrating his colossal impact, the veteran actor had spoken courageously and openly in recent years about his health battles, specifically his experience with prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. True to his nature as an educator, he had used his personal health struggles to raise public awareness, passionately urging older men to prioritize early medical screenings.
The heartbreaking news of his demise was initially shared on Friday by his son, Adetoyese Oyewo, via Facebook, and quickly confirmed by prominent industry figures, including filmmaker Kunle Afod, who lamented, "Tonight, we lost a true legend. Kola Oyewo has taken his final bow."
The Epic Biography of a Icon: From Royal Roots to Stardom
Early Life, Place of Birth, and Growing Up
Born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, a town in Osun State, Southwest Nigeria, Kola Oyewo was born into a family of farmers that also happened to be of royal lineage. Growing up in a close-knit rural community, his upbringing was deeply rooted in traditional Yoruba culture. For a significant portion of his youth, he lived within the royal palace alongside his uncle, who reigned as the king.
He often credited his late father, Bamgbola Oyewo—who was a traditional Egungun (masquerader) dancer—for instilling in him the deep-seated patience and cultural nuances that later defined his masterclass acting style.
Academic Pursuit & Excellence
Unlike many of his peers who learned the craft strictly on the road, Oyewo beautifully bridged the gap between raw talent and rigorous academia:
- He began his formal professional training at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, where he earned a Certificate in Dramatic Arts and a Certificate in Yoruba Oral Literature.
- Driven by a relentless pursuit of knowledge, he returned to OAU to bag his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Theatre Arts in 1995.
- He then proceeded to the prestigious University of Ibadan (UI), where he successfully earned his Master of Arts (M.A.) and ultimately a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Drama.
The Journey to Stardom
Professor Oyewo’s professional acting journey kicked off precisely 62 years ago, in 1964, when he spotted a poster advertising for trainee actors. He auditioned for and joined the iconic Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group. His very first professional role was playing "Adejare" in Orogun Adedigba, an autobiographical production by Oyin Adejobi.
After an impactful 9-year stint with Adejobi, he migrated to the University of Ife Theatre in 1973, where he had the privilege of working closely with the legendary dramatist and scholar, Chief Ola Rotimi.
It was under Rotimi’s direction that Oyewo achieved monumental theatrical immortality, playing the lead character, "Odewale," in the classic tragic play The Gods Are Not To Blame.
The Academic Career
Beyond the cameras, Dr. Oyewo was a revered lecturer. He joined the faculty of Obafemi Awolowo University in 1996, rising to the rank of Senior Lecturer before his official retirement in September 2011. Post-retirement, his passion for teaching took him to Redeemer’s University, where he served excellently as the Head of the Department of Dramatic Arts, and later to Elizade University in Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State.
Iconic Movies and Career Portfolio
Throughout his decades-long career, Professor Oyewo became a household face, known for his impeccable delivery of regal, authoritative, and deeply philosophical characters.
|
Year |
Iconic Movie / Production |
Key Role Highlight |
|---|---|---|
|
1995 |
Koseegbe |
Played the memorable character Mako |
|
1997 |
Sango |
Epic historical masterpiece |
|
1997 |
O Le Ku |
Iconic Tunde Kelani film; played Oloye Ajasa |
|
1999 |
Saworoide |
Masterfully played King Lapite, a defining cinematic role |
|
2001 |
Super Story (Episode 1) |
Brought classic Nollywood television to millions of homes |
|
2005 |
Efunsetan Aniwura |
Classic Yoruba historical drama |
|
2011 |
Yemoja |
Played the character Osi |
|
Recent |
Ogeere (2023), Oosa Aafin (2022) |
Maintained his silver screen presence into his twilight years |
Marriage and Family Life
Professor Kola Oyewo was a devoted family man. Though he faced early tragedy—becoming a father at the young age of 21, only to lose his first child six months later—he built a beautifully resilient family with his wife.
The couple went on to raise five sons, the eldest of whom is named Adewale, followed by four other boys, including Adetoyese, who formally announced his passing.
Burial Arrangements
As the news of his demise is still very fresh, the Oyewo family has not yet released the specific dates, times, or venues for the funeral rites.
Given his dual status as an esteemed Osun royal prince, a university professor, and a national artistic icon, the burial arrangements are expected to be an expansive celebration of life. High-profile national figures have already begun pouring in tributes, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who described him as the "pride of Yorubaland," and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who lamented that his death has created a massive void in African drama.
Stay tuned to Eagles Eye Update as we will bring you the official burial timelines, dates for the wake-keep, and lying-in-state details as soon as the family releases them.
Comments
Post a Comment