Farewell, Professor Kola Oyewo
Farewell, Oba Lapite
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Professor Kola Oyewo—scholar, actor, teacher, cultural ambassador, and dear colleague.
I had the privilege of working with him on Koseegbe, Oleku and Saworoide where he gave a memorable performance as Oba Lapite. His portrayal brought depth, dignity, and humanity to the role, making the character one of the film’s most enduring figures.
Ironically, Lapite’s death in the story created a challenge for me as a filmmaker. Once he was publicly executed by Lagata, I could not bring Kola Oyewo back into the narrative. I missed him then.
Today, I miss him again.
Kola Oyewo belonged to a rare generation that successfully bridged scholarship and performance. He inspired countless students, actors, and audiences through his talent, humility, and lifelong commitment to learning, culture, theatre and film.
Nigeria has lost a remarkable artist.
Farewell, Professor Kola Oyewo.
Farewell, Oba Lapite.
Your legacy will endure in the stories you told and the lives you touched.
Ire ni o.
TK
The Stubbornness of Birds
There is something almost admirable about the stubborness of birds, in their breeding season.
I live in the rural outskirts of Ibadan, so birds are common here. Two species in particular are almost always around my house: the common kingfisher and the bronze mannikin. The mannikins have been breeding in my house for about three years now. They have somehow chosen my house as their community meat as they make nests in three different locations around my roof.
One of those sites sits dangerously close to my electric wiring, and I was not about to let a bird's real estate preferences burn my house down. So I started destroying the nest at that particular spot whenever they built it, while leaving the other two untouched. I thought this was a reasonable arrangement. Generous, even.
They disagreed. They kept rebuilding at the same spot, with the same confidence, as if I had not just dismantled their work the day before.
I want to sit them down. Call a proper meeting. Put it to them plainly: I have given you two out of three sites. That is a 67% concession. In what negotiation is that not a win? What exactly are your objections?
But birds do not negotiate. They just build. And build. And build again.
It's quite interesting how Folagade went from creating Mama Deola’s skit into making a full blown movie about the Mama Deola character. He has set a template that needs to be studied afher mastering his craft.
Dude is hardworking and it has reflected in his growth. I'm impressed with his journey so far and there is no doubt the movie will bang just as good.