For those familiar with  Yoruba movies in south-west Nigeria and beyond, the face of legendary actor Kola Oyewo is synonymous with classics like Ṣaworoidẹ, Osé Ṣàngó, and Kòṣeégbé.

Oyewo also played a major role in the performance of Ọlá Rótìmi's popular play, ‘The gods are not to blame’, where he played tragic hero Odewale.

The announcement of Oyewo’s death on the 12th of June, 2026, has since opened a floodgate of tributes from colleagues, family members, admirers, and prominent Nigerians.

‘Farewell, Professor'

Veteran filmmaker, Tunde Kelani, is one of the people who worked closely with the late Oyewo, who has mourned him.

Kelani titled his tribute statement “Farewell, Professor Kola Oyewo Farewell, Oba Lapite.”

“I had the privilege of working with him on Koseegbe, Oleku, and Saworoide, where he gave a memorable performance as Oba Lapite. His portrayal brought depth, dignity, and humanity to the role, making the character one of the film’s most enduring figures,” said the veteran Nigerian filmmaker.

Oyewo’s journey, however, didn’t start on the screen.

From stage to screen

Born on the 27th of March in 1945, Kola Oyewo had just graduated from high school when he became fully involved in acting.

He started with the Yoruba traveling theater when he joined Oyin Adejobi’s theater group in 1964, where he learned the ropes with roles in stage plays.

He later joined the University of Ife theater where he worked with the late dramatist, Professor Ọlá Rótìmi, the author of the renowned play: The gods are not to blame.

After working for years without a degree, Oyewo would go back to school at a later age to study Theatre Arts, and was in the same class as one of his sons as an undergraduate.

He once said in an interview that he didn’t allow being in the same class with his son and students who were his son’s age mates to demoralise him. He pulled his weight.

His late start at higher education didn’t stop him from reaching for higher degrees. He acquired a master's degree and a PhD before eventually becoming a professor after years of research and teaching.

Lecturing and acting

Neither did academics stop him from acting. He managed to combine research and teaching in Nigerian universities with a rich acting career.

“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,” filmmaker Kelani adds.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who is a paramount spiritual leader and traditional monarch of the Yoruba people of south-west Nigeria, also mourned the late actor, describing him as a pride of the Yoruba people.

A release signed by the director of public affairs in the palace of Ooni of Ife, Moses Olafare, said the late professor made a remarkable contribution to theater, culture, and education.