Renowned movie director Tunde Kelani writes emotional farewell to departed actor Kola Oyewo

Veteran filmmaker Tunde Kelani has penned a heartfelt tribute to the late actor and scholar Kola Oyewo, hailing him as a rare talent whose legacy will continue to inspire generations in Nigeria's theatre and film industry, a testament to his enduring impact on the nation's arts scene.

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Kelani's farewell message, titled "Farewell, Professor Kola Oyewo, Farewell, Oba Lapite," expressed deep sorrow over Oyewo's passing, recalling their collaborations on acclaimed productions such as Koseegbe, Oleku, and Saworoide, which remain iconic in Nigerian cinema.

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Kelani singled out Oyewo's 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 memorable characters, a performance that has stood the test of time.

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The filmmaker reflected on the movie's storyline, revealing that Oyewo's character was publicly executed by Lagata, a plot twist that made it impossible for him to reappear in the narrative, a creative challenge that Kelani found difficult to navigate as a filmmaker.

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Kelani confessed that Oyewo's character was deeply missed after his on-screen execution, a sentiment he echoed in his farewell message, saying "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," a poignant expression of his admiration for the late actor.

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Oyewo was praised by Kelani for successfully combining scholarship with performance, earning him a reputation as a cultural ambassador who dedicated his life to learning, theatre, film, and the preservation of Nigerian culture, a unique blend of artistic and academic pursuits.

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Kelani described Oyewo as a member of a rare generation that successfully bridged scholarship and performance, inspiring countless students, actors, and audiences through his talent, humility, and lifelong commitment to learning, culture, theatre, and film, a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.

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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, a testament to his enduring impact on the nation's arts scene.

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The veteran actor, dramatist, filmmaker, and academic passed away at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of outstanding performances and academic achievements, a remarkable life that spanned multiple disciplines and decades.

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Although the cause of death had not been officially disclosed at the time of reporting, Oyewo had spoken publicly about his struggle with prostate enlargement in April 2026, a health challenge that had affected his acting career and limited the roles he could accept, a difficult period in his life.

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Born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Oyewo began his acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey that would span over six decades and earn him a reputation as one of the most respected figures in Yoruba theatre and Nigerian cinema.

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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, a performance that remains iconic in Nigerian theatre history.

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Over the course of his career, Oyewo appeared in numerous productions, including Sango, Super Story, and several Yoruba-language films that helped shape Nigeria's movie industry, a remarkable body of work that reflects his dedication to his craft.

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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, a testament to his commitment to education and mentorship.

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Through his work as an educator and mentor, Oyewo trained and influenced generations of actors, playwrights, and scholars, leaving an enduring mark on Nigeria's theatre, film, and academic communities, a legacy that will continue to inspire and nurture future generations of artists and scholars.