The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has paid glowing tribute to veteran Nollywood actor, theatre scholar and cultural icon, Pa Kola Oyewo, describing him as a pride of Yorubaland whose immense contributions to theatre, culture and education will remain etched in history.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the revered monarch expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the renowned thespian, who died on Friday, June 12, 2026, at the age of 80.
The Ooni, who also serves as Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) and Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), extended his condolences to the family, friends, associates and admirers of the late actor.
According to the monarch, Pa Oyewo’s death marks the end of a remarkable era in Nigerian theatre and cultural scholarship. He noted that the late actor dedicated his life to the promotion of Yoruba language, culture and values through exceptional performances on stage and screen, as well as through his contributions to academia.
Born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun State, Pa Oyewo rose to become one of Nigeria’s most respected theatre practitioners and scholars. Although he hailed from Oba-Ile, he spent a significant part of his life in Ile-Ife, where he made lasting contributions to the cultural and intellectual development of the ancient city.
The Ooni described the deceased as a custodian of Yoruba heritage whose works helped preserve indigenous traditions while inspiring generations of actors, scholars and cultural enthusiasts across Nigeria and beyond.
“Pa Kola Oyewo was a pride of Yorubaland, a distinguished scholar and cultural ambassador who dedicated his life to the promotion of our rich heritage. Through his talent, wisdom and commitment to excellence, he brought honour not only to Ile-Ife and Osun State but to the entire Yoruba race and Nigeria as a whole,” the monarch stated.
He further noted that the late actor’s legacy would continue to inspire future generations, stressing that his impact extended beyond entertainment to education, mentorship and cultural preservation.
The Ooni prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed icon and urged the Oyewo family to take solace in the exemplary life, achievements and enduring legacy of their patriarch.
