Kola Ogunmola

Who was Kola Ogunmola?

Elijah Kolawole Ogunmola or Kola Ogunmola was a Nigerian dramatist, actor, mime, director, and playwright.

He developed Yoruba culture, especially folk opera into a serious theatre form through his work with his Ogunmola Travelling Theatre.

They produced an early stage musical version of Amos Tutuola's The Palm Wine Drinkard, which was performed at the First Pan-African Cultural Congress.

Ogunmola is regarded as one of the most brilliant actors in Africa in the 1950s and ’60s.

He produced Ife Owo in 1965. It was a satire on marriage and wealth. He used Mime and singing as well as drumming to convey his message. He also produced the dramatic version of Tutuola's The Palmwine Drinker. He also exhibited great ability in acting and directing.