The Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has paid heartfelt tribute to veteran actor, theatre scholar and cultural custodian, Pa Kola Oyewo, describing him as one of the greatest ambassadors of Yoruba culture whose contributions to theatre, education and indigenous heritage will remain immortal.
The revered monarch, who is the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) and Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), paid tribute to the late thespian, who transitioned on Friday, June 12, 2026, at the age of 80.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the monarch described Pa Oyewo’s death as a significant loss not only to the Yoruba race but also to Nigeria’s cultural and academic communities.
According to the Ooni, Pa Oyewo belonged to a rare generation of cultural icons who dedicated their lives to preserving and promoting Yoruba language, values, history and traditions through theatre, scholarship and mentorship. His performances on stage and screen, coupled with his contributions to academia, helped shape generations of actors, students and culture enthusiasts across the country.
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 a native of Oba-Ile, he spent a substantial part of his life in Ile-Ife, where he became a familiar and beloved figure, contributing immensely to the cultural and intellectual life of the ancient city.
The Ooni noted that beyond his accomplishments in the entertainment industry, the late actor served as a bridge between tradition and modernity, using his craft to preserve indigenous knowledge and project Yoruba culture to wider audiences within and outside Nigeria.
“Pa Kola Oyewo was a pride of Yorubaland, a distinguished scholar and cultural ambassador who devoted 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.
The Ooni further remarked that the late actor's legacy extends far beyond the stage and screen, emphasizing that his life's work in education, mentorship and cultural preservation will continue to inspire future generations.
While praying for the peaceful repose of the departed cultural icon, the Ooni extended his condolences to the Oyewo family, colleagues, friends and admirers, urging them to find comfort in the remarkable life, achievements and lasting impact of a man whose name has become inseparable from the story of Yoruba theatre and cultural excellence.
Pa Kola Oyewo's passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in the history of Yoruba performing arts, but his influence will continue to resonate through the countless lives he touched and the rich cultural heritage he helped preserve.