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THE QUINTESSENTIAL KOLA OYEWO IS DEAD
By Folorunso Fatai Adisa
One of the key reasons for the brilliance and enduring excellence of classic Yoruba films was the involvement of accomplished scholars from the Departments of Theatre Arts and English Studies at prestigious institutions such as the University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo Obafemi Awolowo University Ile Ife, and the University of Ilorin.
Renowned academics and theatre practitioners, including the late Professor Ayo Akinwale, the late Prof. Akinwunmi Isola, late Dr Larinde Akinleye, late Dr. Kola Oyewo, and Dr. Sola Fosudo, brought intellectual depth, artistic discipline, and professional rigour to an industry that produced some of Nigeria’s most memorable cinematic works.
Among those who left an indelible imprint on that golden era was Dr. Kola Oyewo. His performances were not just ordinary acts of entertainment; they were lessons in craft, character, and social commentary. In Mainframe Productions’ Kosegbe, a film that held a mirror to the Nigerian condition, he demonstrated the depth of his artistry.
It was not a flattering mirror, but an honest one. The film compressed the nation’s moral anxieties into a compelling narrative, exposing corruption as a slow-spreading cancer that respected neither rank nor intention.
Dr. Oyewo delivered a masterclass as the upright Comptroller-General of Customs, a man determined to cleanse his institution of rot.
He wore integrity like a second skin: calm, resolute, and unyielding. For that very reason, he became a threat to those who profited from decay.
Similarly, in Saworoide, he brought his exceptional talent to life in the role of a corrupt monarch who enriched himself from the commonwealth of his people while disregarding the customs, values, and sacred traditions of the land.
With remarkable skill and conviction, Dr. Oyewo embodied the character so convincingly that the line between performance and reality seemed to disappear.
His artistry captivated audiences and inspired countless young people to embrace theatre and acting as worthy vocations.
The passing of Dr. Kola Oyewo is therefore more than the loss of an actor. It is the departure of a scholar, a teacher, a cultural ambassador, and one of the finest interpreters of the Yoruba stage and screen.
His generation of performers elevated acting beyond mere recreation; they transformed it into a vehicle for education, social reflection, and cultural preservation.
Through their work, they entertained a nation while simultaneously teaching it about itself.
As news of his demise emerged, a deep sense of sadness settled in the hearts of many who admired his craft and benefited from his contributions.
Another great tree has fallen in the forest of Nigerian theatre. Yet, like all truly gifted artists, Dr. Kola Oyewo leaves behind a legacy that death cannot extinguish.
His performances will continue to speak. His influence will continue to inspire. His memory will continue to endure in the annals of Nigerian theatre and film.
May Almighty God forgive his shortcomings, accept his return unto Him, grant him eternal rest, and comfort his family, friends, colleagues, students, and admirers.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
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