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Acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker Tunde Kelani has revealed plans to dedicate upcoming episodes of his documentary series to the memory of legendary actor, academic and theatre icon Dr. Kola Oyewo, whose passing in June 2026 marked the end of an extraordinary career in the performing arts.
Kelani made the announcement through his Instagram page on Tuesday, sharing a video that reflected on Oyewo’s remarkable journey and the lasting impact he made on Nigeria’s film and theatre industries.
The veteran director explained that before continuing with the documentary series, it was important to honour one of the men who helped shape the country's creative landscape.
According to Kelani, the special episodes will include previously recorded conversations with the late actor, offering audiences a chance to hear directly from Oyewo about his life, career and passion for the arts.
The interview was conducted three years ago during the production of the documentary project Heroes of the Yoruba Travelling Theatre by filmmaker Omowunmi Jimoh.
Kelani described Oyewo as a man whose commitment to storytelling extended beyond acting. He noted that the late entertainer excelled as a scholar, teacher and traditional ruler while remaining deeply devoted to preserving Yoruba culture through theatre and cinema.
The celebrated filmmaker also reflected on their professional relationship, recalling several memorable productions they worked on together.
Oyewo featured prominently in some of Kelani’s most acclaimed films, including Koseegbe, Oleku and the iconic political drama Saworoide. His portrayal of Oba Lapite in Saworoide remains one of the most admired performances in contemporary Nigerian cinema and is often cited as a defining role in his illustrious career.
Kelani explained that revisiting Oyewo’s performances alone would not be enough to appreciate his contributions.
Instead, he hopes the documentary tribute will introduce viewers to the man behind the celebrated roles, highlighting his wisdom, humility and lifelong dedication to nurturing the next generation of actors and scholars.
Dr. Kola Oyewo died on June 12, 2026, at the age of 80. His death was first announced by his son, Adetoyese Oyewo, before fellow actor Kunle Afod confirmed the news publicly.
Tributes poured in from across the Nigerian entertainment industry, with colleagues describing him as one of the country's most respected cultural ambassadors.
Across more than six decades, Oyewo built a distinguished career on stage, in film and within academia.
His influence reached far beyond acting, as he mentored countless performers and contributed significantly to the development of theatre education in Nigeria.
Kelani’s forthcoming documentary episodes are expected to serve as both a celebration of Oyewo’s achievements and a historical record of his enduring influence on Yoruba theatre and Nigerian cinema.
By preserving his voice and experiences for future generations, the filmmaker hopes audiences will gain a deeper appreciation of a man whose legacy continues to inspire artists across the country.
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