By Fatai Adiyeloja
Uncle K, as we fondly called Associate Professor Kola Oyewo, the Balogun Oba, was a rare breed — a gifted actor, an intellectual, and a man of remarkable wit and depth. My first encounter with him was during my first year as an undergraduate in the Department of Dramatic Arts at the then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU). I was privileged to share the stage with him and other notable professionals, including Peter Fatomilola and Laide Adewale, in Aye Yewontan, written by Professor Akinwumi Isola for WNTV/WNBS.
Fate brought us together again in Ikorodu about two decades ago on the set of Super Story by Wale Adenuga. Kola Oyewo, the legend, featured as Onimogun in The Lion of Mogun. His close friend, Professor Ayo Akinwale, played the role of Aresa alongside Baba Kekere, the voice of reason and the defender of the masses, while I featured as Olugbon.
Kola Oyewo was a master of role interpretation — versatile, disciplined, and deeply committed to the craft. What else should one expect from a complete man of the theatre?
We later worked together on the home video production Away from Father, produced by Lumex Tutors in Ilorin, shortly after The Lion of Mogun. This opportunity came through the influence of Professor Ayo Akinwale, who was then the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, University of Ilorin.
Kola Oyewo was not only a great performer; he was also an inspiration and a mentor to many upcoming actors. He was one of the cherished interpreters of the works of our pathfinder, Professor Wole Soyinka, bringing life to some of Soyinka’s iconic characters in many of his classic plays.
A resilient and determined personality, Kola Oyewo began his acting journey through the Yoruba travelling theatre tradition — the Alarinjo theatre. He proved to the world that when talent is matched with dedication, greatness is achievable. He pursued formal education, earned a degree, followed it with a master’s and doctoral degree, and rose remarkably to become an Associate Professor. Such an achievement remains a testament to his passion and perseverance.
I believe he is already communing with other distinguished actors in the world beyond. Laide Adewale, Sam Loco, Ayo Akinwale, and many others who have gone before him will surely welcome him with open arms.
Rest eternally in the bosom of your Creator, if heaven can still accommodate more entrants.
You once dreamt of heaven in Lanke Omu, and you embarked on that journey to heaven to fetch your palmwine tapper in The Palmwine Drinkers, skilfully adapted into Haba Director by the wordsmith, Professor Biodun Jeyifo. You played the role of Director in recognition of your outstanding interpretation of Kola Ogunmola’s masterpiece.
Now, heaven is no longer a dream but a reality. There is no shortage of palmwine there. Enjoy the holy drink.
Ìkú ò jẹ́ ká gbádùn ẹni tí ógbó.
(Death does not allow us to continue enjoying the company of the aged and wise.)
And if heaven is a place where even worms, millipedes, and centipedes are delicacies, who am I to warn you against enjoying what may be a feast in that realm?
Please, eat whatever is readily available over there.
Fatai Adiyeloja
Assistant Director, News and Current Affairs
NTA
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