Iconic filmmaker Tunde Kelani pens heartfelt tribute to late Kola Oyewo

By Ayo Onikoyi

Veteran filmmaker and playwright Tunde Kelani has paid a heartfelt tribute to late actor and scholar Kola Oyewo, describing him as a rare talent whose legacy will continue to inspire generations in Nigeria’s theatre and film industry.
In a farewell message titled “Farewell, Professor Kola Oyewo, Farewell, Oba Lapite,” Kelani expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the veteran actor, whom he worked with in acclaimed productions such as Koseegbe, Oleku and Saworoide.
Kelani particularly recalled Oyewo’s memorable portrayal of Oba Lapite in Saworoide, noting that the actor brought “depth, dignity and humanity” to the role, making it one of the film’s most enduring characters.
Reflecting on the movie’s storyline, Kelani said the public execution of Oba Lapite by the character Lagata meant he could not bring Oyewo’s character back into the narrative, a situation he found difficult as a filmmaker.
“Once he was publicly executed by Lagata, I could not bring Kola Oyewo back into the narrative. I missed him then. Today, I miss him again,” Kelani wrote.
The filmmaker praised Oyewo for successfully combining scholarship with performance, describing him as a cultural ambassador who dedicated his life to learning, theatre, film and the preservation of Nigerian culture.
“Kola Oyewo belonged to a rare generation that successfully bridged scholarship and performance. He inspired countless students, actors and audiences through his talent, humility and lifelong commitment to learning, culture, theatre and film,” he said.
Oyewo’s death was announced on Friday by actor Kunle Afod, who disclosed the news on Instagram and paid tribute to the late thespian’s immense contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry.
The veteran actor, dramatist, filmmaker and academic died at the age of 80. Although the cause of death had not been officially disclosed at the time of reporting, Oyewo had in April 2026 spoken publicly about his struggle with prostate enlargement, which he said had affected his acting career and limited the roles he could accept.
Born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Oyewo began his acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group. He later became one of the most respected figures in Yoruba theatre and Nigerian cinema.
He was widely celebrated for his portrayal of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s The Gods Are Not to Blame, a role that earned him acclaim across the African theatre scene.
Over a career spanning more than six decades, Oyewo appeared in numerous productions, including Sango, Super Story and several Yoruba-language films that helped shape Nigeria’s movie industry.
Beyond the stage and screen, Oyewo distinguished himself as an academic, earning a doctorate in Drama from the University of Ibadan and teaching at Obafemi Awolowo University, Redeemer’s University and Elizade University.
Through his work as an educator and mentor, he trained and influenced generations of actors, playwrights and scholars, leaving an enduring mark on Nigeria’s theatre, film and academic communities.