Wole Oguntokun, a distinguished Nigerian playwright, theatre director, and lawyer, has sadly passed away at the age of 56. The news of his demise was confirmed by his friend, marking a profound loss for the artistic community.
Kayode Peters, a close friend and filmmaker, took to Instagram to share the heartbreaking news. Reflecting on their shared journey in the world of theatre, Peters fondly recalled their collaborations and the impact Oguntokun had on his life and career.
Peters’ post reminisced, “I remember that year… I directed your first-ever performance story ‘Who is Afraid of Wole Soyinka’… Some months later, we started DBN TV’s first comedy series ‘Crossworld Blues’ which you produced and I directed.”
Oguntokun, an alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University, showcased his talent and creativity not only on stage but also on screen. He produced and wrote acclaimed TV sitcoms like ‘Crossworld Blues’ on DBN TV in 1999 and ‘Living Free’ on MBI television in 2002, leaving an indelible mark on Nigerian television.
Additionally, as a board member of Theaturtle, a Canadian theatre company, Oguntokun continued to contribute to the arts on an international scale. His passion for storytelling and dedication to his craft earned him respect and admiration from peers and audiences alike.
Actor Ozzy Agu, reflecting on their collaboration, shared, “I did one with Wole Oguntokun titled ‘The Red,’ which was based on the story of Little Red Riding Hood.” Their partnership exemplified Oguntokun’s ability to inspire and collaborate with fellow artists, leaving a lasting impression on Nigerian theatre.
Born on July 15, 1967, Wole Oguntokun’s legacy transcends borders, his contributions to Nigerian theatre and television industry will be remembered fondly. His passing leaves a void in the artistic community, but his spirit and work will continue to inspire generations to come. Rest in peace, Wole Oguntokun.
