Early Life

Kola Oyewo was born on March 27, 1946, in Oba Ile, a town in Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria. He pursued his early education in the arts at Obafemi Awolowo University, earning certificates in dramatic arts and Yoruba oral literature. He later obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts from the same university in 1995. Eager to deepen his expertise, he advanced to the University of Ibadan, where he completed a Master of Arts and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Drama.

Career

Kola Oyewo began his professional acting career in 1964 when he joined the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group. His first major role was playing Adejare in Orogun Adedigba, an autobiographical play by Oyin Adejobi. After spending nine years with the group, he transitioned to the University of Ife Theatre, where he collaborated with the late dramatist and academic, Chief Ola Rotimi. He gained nationwide recognition for his compelling performance as Odewale in The Gods Are Not to Blame, one of Rotimi’s most acclaimed plays.

In 1996, Oyewo became a lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University and rose to the position of senior lecturer before retiring in 2011. Following his retirement, he continued contributing to academia by joining Redeemer’s University as the head of the Dramatic Arts Department. He is currently a lecturer in Performing Arts at Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, in Ondo State.

Kola Oyewo remains an influential figure in Nigeria’s theatre and academic space. His contributions to the dramatic arts, both on stage and in the classroom, continue to inspire new generations of actors and scholars.

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