Atiku mourns Oyewo, praises actor‑scholar’s contribution to African drama

Abdullateef Fowewe

Former Vice‑President, Abubakar Atiku has expressed deep sorrow at the death of Dr Kola Oyewo, the celebrated Nigerian actor and academic best known for his portrayal of King Lapite in the classic film Saworode.

In a condolence message posted on social media on Saturday, Atiku described Oyewo as “a legendary thespian and scholar of African drama,” saying the actor’s “iconic role as King Lapite in the timeless ‘Saworoide’ immortalised his immense talent and teachings.”

He added that Oyewo’s work left “a great void” in Theatre Arts and that the loss would be felt by “lovers of African stories worldwide.”

Atiku also paid tribute to Oyewo’s influence as an educator, writing that he was “an exceptional dramatist and teacher of social conscience,” and offering prayers for the family: “I join his family and fans in mourning. May his soul rest in peace.”